IfJ recently participated in a round table event set up by KeyRing and The Prison Reform Trust. The aim of this event was to encourage discussion with all parties involved in the individual stages of the justice process from custody to probation.
Towards the end of 2019, IfJ was invited to attend a round table event set up by KeyRing www.keyring.org/ and The Prison Reform Trust.
The aim was to encourage discussion with all parties involved in the individual stages of the justice process from custody to probation. Representatives from Guildford Police Custody, National Appropriate Adults Network, Liaison and Diversion, Defence Solicitors, probation services and the Prison Reform Trust were joined by a CPS rep, Magistrates and a District Judge.
It was an ideal opportunity to spread the word about the role of the intermediary and the need for action re: fair access to justice for vulnerable suspects and defendants. All agreed a joined up service, free from agencies working in silos, was the ideal. Two people with Learning Disabilities from Care Not Custody/ Working for Justice gave valuable insights into their own experiences of being arrested and imprisoned.
The discussion identified gaps in knowledge of Learning Disabilities and service provision within CJS as well as highlighting required interventions, resources, training and information, potential delivery methods and pathways for training.
KeyRing are currently looking for Lottery Funding to assist in the development of this aim.