Hundreds of prisoners are set to be released early from jails in England and Wales on Thursday, amid warnings that many will have nowhere to live and the probation system will struggle to monitor them. Approximately 2,000 criminals, including domestic abusers and violent offenders, are to be freed over the next month, with another 3,000 expected to follow in stages over the next year to alleviate overcrowding.
Context
The number of early releases was reduced from 6,000 after an intervention by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Prisoners are typically expected to have appropriate accommodation arranged before their release, which significantly reduces reoffending rates. However, a probation source revealed to the Guardian that colleagues in some towns and cities are struggling to find hostel places.
“"We have a handful of places for ex-offenders and they are full. We are now looking at releasing some people straight on to the street," the source said.
Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the social justice charity Nacro, emphasized the importance of stable housing:
“"We know that leaving prison homeless can put people on a path back into custody. It is vital that the whole system from prisons and probation to councils and community providers work together to give people a roof over their heads."
Developments
The Napo union, representing probation officers, has raised concerns about the accommodation shortage with prison authorities. The situation is expected to reach critical levels from October 13, when a second group of prisoners is due for release. Ben Cockburn, the union’s national chair, criticized the HM Prison Service, stating they seem to be in "absolute denial" about the challenges facing the Probation Service.
