Covid Rules in Prisons Blocking Rehabilitation

London: Coronavirus measures in prisons in England and Wales have in effect delayed the release of potentially thousands of prisoners by blocking chances for inmates to take part in rehabilitation activities required to progress their sentences, campaigners say. Nearly 11,000 prisoners serving indeterminate sentences, and about 5,815 inmates serving extended determinate sentences, need to be able to demonstrate to the Parole Board that they have taken part in certain activities to reduce their risk and allow their release. But support to reduce the risk of reoffending and prepare people to lead law-abiding lives has all but stopped, potentially delaying the release of people back into the community, the Prison Reform Trust says in a report seen by the Guardian. The uncertainty is leading to increasing despair and hopelessness and putting a significant strain on prisoners’ mental health and wellbeing, already suffering as a result of lockdown, the charity has warned.

Read more: Jamie Grierson, Guardian, https://is.gd/Xd8TzK