Probation and mental health: who cares?

In England, In March 2013, there were 222 000 people serving a probation order in 35 probation trusts. Prisons hold 85 000 people and retain 75% of the overall budget so probation receives three times less money but works to rehabilitate three times more offenders. Eighty-nine per cent of probationers in England are male and the most common offence for both sexes serving a community order was ‘theft and handling’. Those deemed to be high risk constituted 5–7% of both groups. Government reform of the English probation service is imminent. About 70% of the probation population will become managed by the private and voluntary sector over the next 18 months and payment will be linked to reductions in reoffending. Current probation trusts are barred from tendering for business. The government believe that such a new approach will lead to a revolution in rehabilitation. Since April 2013 the NHS has also been reformed and health care is now commissioned by two bodies: NHS England and 211 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), which are led by local GPs and serve local communities. However, as far as health care for offenders is concerned there has been a fundamental split since the implementation of the reforms. NHS England commissions health care for offenders who are detained (prison, police custody, and secure children’s homes). CCGs, which are responsible for commissioning health care for local communities, have also received explicit guidance that they should purchase health care for those on probation. Pertinent aspects of current public sector reform has been briefly described …