08 February 2008
Justice Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath has called on criminal justice professionals and health experts to work closely together to develop safer communities by tackling offenders' health problems early to reduce crime.
Lord Hunt made the plea during a keynote speech in Coventry today.
Many offenders experience drug, alcohol, mental health problems or learning disabilities but don't receive help until they suffer a crisis and turn to crime when they can more easily access treatment.
Consequently, Lord Hunt has urged all relevant departments, agencies, the public and private sectors to work in partnership to address the causes, rather than treat the symptoms, of criminal activity linked to health issues. He has also urged people to contribute to two separate consultations that end soon.
Lord Hunt said:
'It is important to forge links between health organisations and police, probation and court services in a bid to address offenders' health problems to reduce crime and reoffending. The knock-on effect is safer communities, increased quality of life and a sense of well-being within the community.
'I urge anyone with an interest in offender health to contribute to the consultations whilst there is still time in order to build on the immense amount of work already being done in this unique area of crime prevention.
'We want to know what is and is not working and how best to meet the diverse range of needs that offenders have including those of women and juveniles.'
The Criminal Justice System can act as a gateway to health services for vulnerable people who find it hard to access mainstream health and social care services.
Not only would this be cheaper and more effective but, importantly, it would improve public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Lord Hunt said:
'Reoffending causes real harm to individuals, to communities, and to the economy.
'The government has undertaken a successful programme of work to tackle re-offending since 1997. The most recent figures available, from 2004, show a 5.8% reduction in adult reoffending against the predicted rate since 2000.
'But there is still more work to do to examine what other measures need to be in place to support offender management.'
Notes to editors
1. The consultations that end soon are the strategic plan for reducing re-offending (27 November 2007 to 18 February 2008) and improving health, supporting justice (27 November 2007 to 4 March 2008).
2. Lord Hunt's speech [check against delivery].
3. For details about the conference please contact Ian Andrew on 07921 292 596.