The report acknowledges that there appears to be a number of policies in place to increase the employability of offenders , however relatively few address the ways in which to effectively support offenders with mental health problems. In contrast, the authors describe how mental health services have developed Individual Placement and Support (IPS), which emphasises fast placement of individuals with mental health problems into employment, individual choice and ongoing support.
This paper concludes that the IPS model can help the criminal justice system achieve better results for offenders with mental health problems when applied to existing successful employment schemes for offenders. This includes:
- Ensuring that none of those who are willing to work are excluded, offering additional support to those who require it.
- Creating direct links with employers with the aim to place individuals within a 1-3 month period.
- Creating a post that is dedicated to working between prison and the community.
- Ensuring there is continued support after a placement is made.
- Ensuring agencies such as housing, mental health, drug use, benefits and probation services are integrated.
- Capturing feedback and input from ex-offenders as potential peers.
For more information and to download the report visit the Sainsbury Centre website.