A joint thematic inspection of the criminal justice journey for individuals with mental health needs and disorders

In 2009, the Bradley Report (Bradley, 2009) provided a comprehensive review of the experience of  a person with mental health and learning disabilities in the criminal justice system (CJS).

This new inspection was a significant undertaking, with input from the four-criminal justice inspectorates and the healthcare inspectorates in England and Wales. It follows the progress of individuals through the CJS from first contact with the police to release from prison. Over 300 cases were reviewed in total and some 550 professionals interviewed. Penal Reform Solutions, a user engagement consultancy, interviewed 67 individuals with mental health problems who had progressed through the CJS as arrestees or convicted persons. A report of their findings is published alongside this one. Our combined work highlights some disappointing findings and makes clear that not enough progress has been made in the 12 years since the Bradley review and our last joint inspection.

This was a joint inspection involving the four criminal justice inspectorates in England and Wales  which was led by HM Inspectorate of Probation with the contribution of (HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, HM Inspectorate of Prisons and the two health inspectorates in England and Wales (Care Quality Commission and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales).

The full report can be found on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website