Reducing Re-offending
In Cumbria, reducing re-offending is a collaborative effort involving local councils, the police, the Probation Service, and health and third-sector organizations. Key focus areas include rehabilitation programs, mental health support, and improving resettlement outcomes for prison leavers.
See here for the North West Reducing Re-offending plan
See here for the Cumberland Youth Justice Plan 2025/26
Youth re-offending
The Cumberland Youth Justice Service (YJS) is focused on preventing and reducing re-offending among young people aged 8 to 18 through bespoke interventions and multi-agency partnerships. In 2023, the YJS noted a re-offending rate for young people significantly lower than the England and Wales average.
Initiatives for young offenders include:
Targeted support: Providing intensive, trauma-informed support for young people with complex needs, including those involved in "county lines" drug activity.
Early intervention: Working with police to expand the use of out-of-court disposals, which has successfully diverted young people from the justice system.
Collaborative working: Partnering with Cumbria Police on initiatives like the Youth Triage scheme to ensure appropriate disposals and reduce the number of first-time entrants to the justice system.
- Empowering young people: Encouraging young offenders to participate in shaping the services provided to them.
Adult re-offending and prison resettlement
For adults, reducing re-offending efforts focus on providing comprehensive support to individuals transitioning from prison back into the community.
Key programs and services include:
Accommodation services: The national Community Accommodation Service provides transitional housing and support for up to 12 weeks for prison leavers at risk of homelessness. It links individuals with local partners for settled housing.
HMP Haverigg programs: Haverigg Prison, an open prison in Cumbria, helps offenders prepare for release by offering work placements and assisting them in rebuilding family ties.
NHS RECONNECT: A service to ensure continuity of care for people with health needs leaving prison. The program offers liaison, signposting to community health services, and follow-up to maintain engagement.
Enhanced RECONNECT: A pilot scheme in Cumbria for high-risk individuals with complex health needs, improving continuity of care in partnership with other organizations.
- Drug and alcohol support: Recovery Steps Cumbria offers confidential support services and an individual recovery plan for people with drug and alcohol problems, addressing a major driver of re-offending.