Throughcare support for people leaving prison

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has welcomed news that two third sector partnerships will extend the range of support they deliver for people leaving prison.

The ‘New Routes’ and ‘Shine’ partnerships, led by Wise Group and Sacro respectively, will make support available for more prisoners released from short term sentences of up to four years.

The expansion means both partnerships will work with a wider range of prisoners who were, until recently, supported by the Scottish Prison Service.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

“Scotland’s firm focus on prevention and rehabilitation has contributed to a 20-year low in reconviction rates, helping to keep crime down and communities safe.

“Helping people to reintegrate into their communities – including providing practical help with everything from job applications to finding accommodation – is key to ensuring they do not get drawn back into a damaging cycle of offending.

“Following the Scottish Prison Service’s decision to suspend its Throughcare services we worked closely with third sector partners to find an alternative. I’m pleased that the New Routes and Shine partnerships have been able to respond and this valuable support will remain available to prisoners who wish to access it.”

Background

New Routes Public Service Partnership (PSP) works with male prisoners and Shine PSP works with female prisoners.

Individuals leaving long-term sentences will continue to be supervised by Criminal Justice Social Work, to ensure that they abide by the conditions of their release.

In July, the Scottish Prison Service announced plans to temporarily suspend its Throughcare service due to staffing pressures linked to the rising prison population.

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