Launch of Health and Justice Service in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Posted on behalf of Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust:

From 1 April, the new Health and Justice Service is being launched in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

This fully integrated offender healthcare model will enhance the support provided to individuals in the criminal justice system who have mental health concerns, learning disabilities, substance misuse problems or other vulnerabilities.

This extension of the existing criminal justice mental health contract is being provided in partnership by Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, and builds on the hard work of staff across both trusts.

It will support individuals at each point of the criminal justice process, from those suspected of a crime, to those who have been convicted and are being released from prison after serving a sentence.

The new service brings together the following services into a single integrated offer:

• Liaison & Diversion – assesses vulnerable individuals with complex needs being brought into the criminal justice system, having been accused of criminal activity; including but not limited to support with mental health or a learning disability, alcohol or substance misuse, homelessness, financial needs or social difficulties.
• Mental Health Treatment Requirements (MHTR) – a sentencing option for people who have come into contact with criminal justice services and who have common mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. The MHTR Team assess people for their suitability for a mental health intervention and, if the individual is sentenced to an MHTR, deliver the interventions in the community.
• RECONNECT – seeks to improve the continuity of care of vulnerable people leaving
  prison by working with them before they leave and supporting their transition to
  community-based services.

This will see one service being provided across the community, police custody, courts, and prison focused on identification; screening and prioritisation; assessment; and intervention.

By enhancing the health and social care support provided to individuals in the criminal justice system, it is hoped re-offending and/ or escalation of offending behaviours can be reduced.