The Sussex Liaison & Diversion and RECONNECT services, previously delivered by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, will continue to develop existing models and introduce a dedicated outreach provision.
- Liaison & Diversion assesses vulnerable individuals with complex needs being brought into the criminal justice system, having been accused of criminal activity; including but not limited to support with learning disabilities or mental health, alcohol or substance misuse, homelessness, financial needs, or social difficulties.
- RECONNECT seeks to improve the continuity of care of vulnerable people leaving prison by working with them before they leave and supporting their transition to community-based services, thereby safeguarding health gains made whilst in prison. It works with service users and partners to offer support and release planning to individuals for up to 12 weeks prior to release or as soon as they are referred within the 12 weeks prior to release.
The enhanced service supports individuals at each point of the criminal justice process; from those suspected of a crime, to those who have been convicted and those being released from prison. It is provided across the community, police custody, courts, and prison, with a focus on identification, screening and prioritisation, assessment, and intervention.
Jane Pulfer, Head of MPFT’s Health and Justice Service said: “This exciting delivery sees one service being provided within the community, police custody, courts, and prisons within the Sussex area that is focused on identification, screening and prioritisation, assessment, and intervention. We’re delighted to be delivering this service, which it is hoped will support with the reduction of re-offending locally.”