Understanding and learning from the impact of COVID-19 on probation's work to improve the health of people under its supervision

Individuals supervised by probation are more likely to have certain health problems than the general population, often having multiple physical and mental health problems. Poor health can negatively impact on criminal justice outcomes like reoffending. In partnership with healthcare organisations, probation work to identify health needs and improve the health of people under supervision. Probation replaced office appointments with email, Skype and doorstep visits in response to the pandemic, and models of partnership working between health and justice agencies have adapted, changing how healthcare is accessed. The nature and impact of these changes for those under supervision isn't fully understood. Concerns have been raised that existing difficulties that this vulnerable group encounter with accessing healthcare may be made worse. However, the pandemic may also have led to helpful innovations in how healthcare is provided that need to be captured and spread. Following discussions with several senior probation staff, NHS England and individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, we have created a proposal to address this knowledge gap and thereby inform future policy and practice. We will use staff survey data and correspondence, and service user interviews to improve understanding of the nature and impact of Covid-19 responses on a) health-related probation practice, b) the lived experience of seeking health support whilst under probation supervision, and c) partnership working and pathways into care. Revolving Doors are key to capturing service user views. Through joint working with stakeholders findings will directly inform how services are provided in the future.