Prison and the Aging Population a social care perspective

1. Alison Ansell Operational Service Manager David Williams Adult Social Care Policy Lead Prison and the Aging Populationa social care perspective

2. 2 The Prison Population is Aging 85,600 people are in prison (MoJ 2010) 9% are aged 50 plus � about 7,700 A rise of 2% since 1999 3% are over 60 Some will have dementia, physical impairment, learning difficulty Some will need support if they are to manage independently after discharge from prison

3. 3 What is Social Care? Aims to �provide the right level of intervention and support to enable people to achieve maximum independence and control over their own lives.� National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 In practice offers help to live independently in the community or where appropriate supported accommodation or residential care Accessed through a Community Care Assessment � S47 Eligibility threshold substantial or critical need (Prioritising Need DH 2010) Legal duty on Councils to meet eligible social care needs Charges are based on financial assessment � national guidance

4. 4 Discharge Planning Vital that Adult Social Care are alerted to the upcoming discharge of prisoners who may have social care needs Especially important where other factors make meeting those needs difficult, for example Schedule 1 offenders with housing restrictions Need to work in a multi-agency way to ensure all aspects of the individuals needs are met and the public are protected where necessary Possible and desirable to start the process of assessment whilst the individual is still in prison

5. 5 What that means in practice Early identification of people with potential social care needs whilst in prison Early referral to Social Care for an assessment Early Involvement of appropriate third sector partners ie NACRO Early Involvement of housing authorities

6. 6 Why this is approach is needed Case Study 1 82 year old man � schedule 1 offender Discharged from local prison without contact being made with social care Medical issues, and possible dementia identified in prison, but no forward plan in place Presents at Social Services as homeless Friday p.m.

7. 7 Why this approach is needed Case Study 2 80 year old, schedule 1 offender discharged from local prison Unable to return home due to restrictions Question over mental capacity and physical health identified in prison, but no referral to social care Local housing authority won�t accept him as homeless Can�t go to relatives for his own safety Presents as in urgent need of accommodation and support

8. 8 Essex multi agency pilot In Essex we have a number of feeder prisons Essex County Council is working with the Prison Service, Probation Service, the Police and local District Councils Object to develop an integrated discharge pathway that will ensure that: Social care needs are identified and addressed early Housing related needs are identified Sustainable arrangements for the care and rehabilitation of the offender are in place prior to discharge The public are protected whilst individuals are supported

9. 9 Where can I get more information Contact: Alison Ansell - alison.ansell@essex.gov.uk David Williams - david.williams1@essex.gov.uk