A Review of Probation Approved Premises A Follow-Up Review

What are approved premises?

Approved premises are a type of accommodation that support people who require enhanced supervision and monitoring after they are released from prison back into the community.  The premises are managed by community and voluntary sector organisations that work closely with the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).  The are funded by the Department of Communities Supporting People Programme.

What progress has it been done?

Overall Inspectors found progress had been limited and inconsistent.  The Strategic recommendation has not been achieved, while three Operational recommendations were only partially achieved.

Need for a more integrated, collaborative approach and clarity on ownership

The Strategic recommendation to the Department of Justice, PBNI, Northern Ireland Prison Service, PSNI, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the four organisations that manage Northern Ireland’s approved premises, aimed to establish a clear framework for approved premises.

Inspectors were disappointed to see the continued lack of clear strategic leadership. There is still no agreed framework setting out the vision, strategy or accountability for approved premises. Work to develop this has been slow and affected by competing priorities and limited resources and a reset on how this recommendation will be achieved is needed.

Partial progress on Operational recommendations

Work has been taken forward to progress the three Operational recommendations, but more was required to:

• ensure approved premises staff were closely involved in public protection risk assessment and monitoring arrangements;
• address practical barriers related to identification, access to medical care and financial arrangements to support the smooth transition of those offenders moving from custody into approved premises on release; and
• support men and women to move on from approved premises to sustainable long-term accommodation.

A more challenging environment

The Follow-Up Review highlighted a more difficult operating environment for approved premises.  A rising prison population, more people managed under Public Protection Arrangements Northern Ireland, increasing numbers of service users with complex needs, higher levels of homelessness, greater demand for temporary accommodation and ongoing financial pressures have all added to these challenges.

Inspectors were concerned that people assessed as posing a higher risk, including those convicted of sexual and violent offences, were released back into the community as homeless.

Stable accommodation is vital to reducing reoffending.  Data shows that almost half of reoffending happens within three months of release, underlining the important role of approved premises during this period.

Conclusion

The Follow-Up Review shows that although some improvements have been made, significant challenges remain in delivering effective approved premises services in Northern Ireland.

The organisations inspected need to work together to achieve the 2023 Strategic Recommendation with stronger leadership, clearer strategy and co-ordinated action to ensure approved premises can meet current and future demand pressures and continue to contribute to safer communities.