JUSTICE
End Friday releases for prisoners so they can access housing and health services, John Bird tells Lords
Prisoners released on a Friday have just a few hours to secure a bed for the night, but a new law could see them free to go up to two days early, giving them precious time to get set up for a life on the outside.
With many essential support services, such as local authority housing, substance misuse support or mental health services closed at weekends and bank holidays, those released on a Friday face an extra setback that could leave them homeless their first night out of prison. Those released on a Friday “struggle to get the essential support they need on release to keep them away from crime in those first few delicate and crucial days out of custody,” Lord Bird told the House of Lords as the bill reached its second reading.
If passed, the Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Bill would allow an ex-convict’s release date to be brought forward by up to two days if it falls on a Friday or the day before a bank or public holiday.
“By removing the barriers that a Friday release can bring, we can ensure that custody-leavers have a better chance to access the support they need to reintegrate into the community so that victims and the public are protected,” Lord Bird continued.
