An Inspection of Through the Gate Resettlement Services for Prisoners Serving 12 Months or More
An Inspection of Through the Gate Resettlement Services for Prisoners Serving 12 Months or More
Support for prisoners leaving jail and moving back into the community was poor and the work of most Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) was not making any difference, according to the Chief Inspector of Probation and Prison. The government’s Transforming Rehabilitation reforms were meant to improve rehabilitation, but those good intentions have not been realised. The general position has not improved in the eight months since HMI Probation’s last inspection of Through the Gate services.
“There were great hopes for Through the Gate, but none of these have been realised. Staff working for Through the Gate services in prisons are keen and committed, but they are making little real difference to people’s life chances as they leave prison. The gap between the government’s aspirations and reality is so great. There is no real prospect that these services as they are will reduce reoffending. Instead there needs to be a renewed focus and effort.
“To be sure of success, the government and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) need to look again at the contractual arrangements with CRCs. They must also make big improvements to IT systems, and make sure processes and targets are aligned and joined up between prisons, CRCs and the National Probation Service so that effective work gets done.”
Dame Glenys Stacey, HM Chief Inspector of Probation on behalf of both inspectorates
Infographic: Through the Gate phase 2 – infographic (PDF, 1.02 MB)
News release: Support for prisoners leaving jail: Community Rehabilitation Companies not having any impact, say inspectors
