scholarly journals Insights gained from early modelling of COVID-19 to inform the management of outbreaks in UK prisons

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Declan Bays ◽  
Hannah Williams ◽  
Lorenzo Pellis ◽  
Jacob Curran-Sebastian ◽  
Oscar O'Mara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Prison Population ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Small Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Probation Service

Purpose In this work, the authors present some of the key results found during early efforts to model the COVID-19 outbreak inside a UK prison. In particular, this study describes outputs from an idealised disease model that simulates the dynamics of a COVID-19 outbreak in a prison setting when varying levels of social interventions are in place, and a Monte Carlo-based model that assesses the reduction in risk of case importation, resulting from a process that requires incoming prisoners to undergo a period of self-isolation prior to admission into the general prison population. Design/methodology/approach Prisons, typically containing large populations confined in a small space with high degrees of mixing, have long been known to be especially susceptible to disease outbreaks. In an attempt to meet rising pressures from the emerging COVID-19 situation in early 2020, modellers for Public Health England’s Joint Modelling Cell were asked to produce some rapid response work that sought to inform the approaches that Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) might take to reduce the risk of case importation and sustained transmission in prison environments. Findings Key results show that deploying social interventions has the potential to considerably reduce the total number of infections, while such actions could also reduce the probability that an initial infection will propagate into a prison-wide outbreak. For example, modelling showed that a 50% reduction in the risk of transmission (compared to an unmitigated outbreak) could deliver a 98% decrease in total number of cases, while this reduction could also result in 86.8% of outbreaks subsiding before more than five persons have become infected. Furthermore, this study also found that requiring new arrivals to self-isolate for 10 and 14 days prior to admission could detect up to 98% and 99% of incoming infections, respectively. Research limitations/implications In this paper we have presented models which allow for the studying of COVID-19 in a prison scenario, while also allowing for the assessment of proposed social interventions. By publishing these works, the authors hope these methods might aid in the management of prisoners across additional scenarios and even during subsequent disease outbreaks. Such methods as described may also be readily applied use in other closed community settings. Originality/value These works went towards informing HMPPS on the impacts that the described strategies might have during COVID-19 outbreaks inside UK prisons. The works described herein are readily amendable to the study of a range of addition outbreak scenarios. There is also room for these methods to be further developed and built upon which the timeliness of the original project did not permit.

Challenging spiralling remand in custody rates: what legal and procedural changes can address the trend?

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick Sarre
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Prison Population ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Law Reform ◽  
Presumption Of Innocence ◽  
Legal Process ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to draw to the attention of parliamentarians and policy-makers the specific vulnerabilities of applicants for bail that need to be addressed if there are to be any answers to the current malaise. Design/methodology/approach Almost a quarter of the adult prison population in Australia is made up of persons imprisoned awaiting trial. By looking at current data and recent research findings, the paper reveals that there persists in Australia great unevenness in remand distributions by jurisdiction. Findings The paper explains why there are differences in remand rates across Australia and why they are rising and draws from more recent snapshots that complement these findings from comprehensive studies conducted a decade ago. Practical implications Furthermore it examines ideas floated in the last decade by academics and practitioners keen to lower remand rates and to bring some uniformity to the process while keeping intact the two key (yet potentially contradictory) aims of the remand in custody system: the safety of the community and the presumption of innocence. Originality/value The paper’s findings will appeal to parliamentarians and policy-makers tasked with bringing about law reform in the field, as well as police leaders, correctional advisors and students of the legal process.

The Frankish model of disability psychotherapy in practice: an integrative model

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Elaine McInnis
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Mild Intellectual Disability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Measuring Tool

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the theory and practice of disability psychotherapy (DP) using the integrative Frankish model (2013a). This draws on the model’s use with a 28-year-old male with a mild intellectual disability (ID) who presented with a range of emotional and behavioural problems. Design/methodology/approach – A case study reporting on the practice of DP of psychodynamic orientation. Findings – Adaptations useful in providing DP with people with IDs and the type of issues which arise are reported. Research limitations/implications – DP is possible and beneficial in community settings. Limitations of a single case study include generalisability of findings. Originality/value – Existing papers focus on the model (Frankish, 2013a), development of the emotional development measuring tool (Frankish, 2013b) and contextual issues (Frankish, 2013c). This case study provides novel information on the practice of DP, and analysis of manifestations of white supremacy (Ani, 1994) in psychotherapy with people with IDs.

Kaizen: working responsively with psychopathic traits

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Anne Henfrey
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Psychopathic Traits ◽  
Psychopathic Trait ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Programme Design ◽  
Probation Service ◽  
Offending Behaviour ◽  
High Level ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how Kaizen, an accredited offending behaviour programme designed for high risk and need offenders within Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), lends itself to responsive delivery with those meeting the criteria for psychopathy. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes how the theoretical rationale and model of change underpinning Kaizen can be applied to those with high levels of psychopathic traits given the available literature in this area. Findings It is argued that Kaizen is applicable to those meeting the criteria for psychopathy. Research limitations/implications As a contemporary intervention, the efficacy of Kaizen in its ability to support participants in their journey towards desistance and therefore to contribute to the service wide aim of reducing reoffending is yet to be evaluated. In turn, its applicability to those meeting the criteria for psychopathy is yet to be explored. Practical implications This paper lends support to the applicability of Mann and Carter’s (2012) six organising principles of programme design in the treatment of high risk, high need offenders who meet the criteria for psychopathy. It encourages practitioners to consider Kaizen as a possible intervention option for this population and offers guidance as to how the programme might be used to best effect. The paper also highlights the importance of evaluating the efficacy of participation in Kaizen for this population. Originality/value In time, Kaizen will replace Chromis as the offer by Intervention Services (HMPPS) for high risk offenders with a high level or combination of psychopathic trait. This paper describes this forthcoming change in approach and the rationale underpinning it.

scholarly journals A right to die for prisoners?

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-66
Author(s):  
Angelika Reichstein
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Thought Experiment ◽  
Prison Population ◽  
The State ◽  
Right To Die ◽  
Assisted Dying ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Duty To Protect ◽  
Utopian Thought ◽  
The Right

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore whether, although the state has a duty to protect prisoners, there should nevertheless be a right for prisoners to decide when and how they die. Design/methodology/approach Utilising a utopian thought experiment, the paper covers a series of interrelated issues: the aims of punishment, the functions of prisons, the rights of prisoners and the responsibilities of the state towards inmates. While the paper takes a European focus, it is of interest to a global audience, as the philosophical ideas raised are universally applicable. Findings As the right to die advances in society, so should it advance for prisoners. Once assisted dying has been legalised, it should also be available for dying prisoners. Originality/value The question has so far not been analysed in depth. With an ageing prison population, however, it is vital that we start engaging with the problems posed by an ageing and dying prison population.

Exploring HIV infection in a UK vulnerable prisoner population in response to newly identified cases

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 244-249
Author(s):  
Stephanie E. Perrett ◽  
Thomas D. Waite
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Prison Population ◽  
Elevated Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prison Health ◽  
Hcv Antibody ◽  
Prison Populations ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Blood Spot

Purpose Prison populations are considered at elevated risk of blood borne virus (BBV) transmission. Between December 2015 and February 2016, four new cases of HIV infection were diagnosed across two male vulnerable prisoner (VP) custodial units in Wales, UK. Cases were identified through routine BBV testing. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach As a result of identifying four new HIV cases, targeted BBV testing across the VP units using dried blood spot testing for HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV) and Hepatitis B was undertaken. Findings A total of 617 men were offered testing, 256 (41 per cent) were tested. No further cases of HIV were identified. Eight men were identified as HCV antibody positive. There was no evidence to suggest the four original cases of HIV were linked. Practical implications Embedding universal BBV screening within prison health provision will ensure timely identification of cases. Further research is needed to better understand BBV transmission risks within subsets of the prison population such as the VP and sex offending groups. Originality/value Little is known about the prevalence of BBVs in vulnerable prison populations. The findings add to the knowledge available for practitioners in the field.

scholarly journals Egyptian budgetary responses to COVID-19 and their social and economic consequences

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emad M. Elkhashen ◽  
Ahmed Sarhan ◽  
Amanze Ejiogu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cash Transfers ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Fiscal Space ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper discusses the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Egyptian economy and Egyptian government's budgetary responses to the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors undertake a critical analysis of Egyptian government's economic and social interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the funding of these interventions and their short- and long-term implications.FindingsThe analysis shows that the Egyptian government's response to the pandemic will shrink Egypt's fiscal space significantly as increased borrowing and debt service obligations are not offset by the levying of corona tax on salaries and wages. However, increased taxation will impact negatively on poverty. The authors show that social interventions such as cash transfers are not provided at a level which will make an impact on alleviating poverty. The authors highlight increased spending on health as well as the adoption of a gender perspective in the response to the pandemic as positive outcomes with potential for future societal impact.Originality/valueThe authors highlight the Egyptian government's budgetary response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic and social implications of this response.

scholarly journals International leadership for the control of disease outbreaks relating to “One Health”

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-110
Author(s):  
Samlee Plianbangchang
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
One Health ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Areas Of Concern ◽  
And Control

Purpose In view of the current global challenge of infectious diseases transmitted from animal to man, this is a complimentary piece of paper to promote, in particular, the inter-sectorial and multi-disciplinary coordination and cooperation in their prevention and control, among all concerned agencies/organizations at both policy and operational levels, with special emphasis on the importance of leadership development within the socio-cultural context of health, and with particular reference to the concept of “One Health” that implies the intimate interaction between man and animal within their own environments/ecosystems. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This is a commentary piece. Findings The paper directly and indirectly suggests lacunae in several areas of concern for further research and development to fill the knowledge gap in such a prevention and control. Originality/value This is a commentary piece.

scholarly journals Understanding recovery: the perspective of substance misusing offenders

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Senker ◽  
Gill Green
Keyword(s):  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Crack Cocaine ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
History Of ◽  
Recommendations For Practice ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically regard the concept of recovery from the perspective of substance misusing offenders. It intended to understand how these individuals came to define recovery by asking “what does recovery mean to you?” Design/methodology/approach – In total, 35 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with individuals with a history of heroin and crack cocaine use as well as convictions for a range of offences. Interviews took place in both prison and community settings, reflecting a spectrum of experience. Findings – Whilst the constellation of recovery varied, it was at times made up of the same “stars” – and some re-occurring themes emerged; recovery was transient, fragile and unpredictable, it was ongoing, lacking a definitive end, it was more than abstinence and often involved a total psychological overhaul, recovery was about reintegrating with society and feeling “normal”. Practical implications – Practitioners and services need to value the individual interpretations of recovery rather than being prescriptive around what it “should” look like. The components of recovery that were raised by participants permit specific recommendations for practice to be made. Originality/value – This study sought the perspectives of those actually affected by and experiencing drug treatment in the Criminal Justice System. It allowed participants to tell their story without preconceived ideas or hypotheses, putting their voice at the centre of the stage. The study uses feedback from the ground to make informed recommendations for practice.

Developing digitally enabled interventions for prison and probation settings: a review

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Morris ◽  
Manpreet Kaur Bans
Keyword(s):  
Current Literature ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Rehabilitation Service ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Review ◽  
Probation Service ◽  
Rehabilitative Services

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight some initial efforts within Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to develop digitally enabled services supporting the rehabilitation of service users. It is not designed to set out either HMPPS policy on digital rehabilitative services or the position of HMPPS Interventions Services on this subject. Rather, it is a short exposition of the authors’ views on the potential of digitally enabled strategies to enhance interventions in forensic settings. In this context, the authors will also describe the development of the first digitally enabled rehabilitation service accessed via HMPPS in-room computer terminals. Design/methodology/approach The authors have reviewed current literature and outlined how the authors have and are aiming to add to this area of work. Findings This general review outlines the authors’ views on the potential of digitally enabled strategies for improving interventions in forensic settings. Originality/value This paper is a short exposition of the authors’ views on the potential of digitally enabled strategies to enhance interventions in forensic settings. In this context, the authors will also describe the development of the first digitally enabled rehabilitation service accessed via HMPPS in-room computer terminals.

Police/probation partnerships – the anticipated impact of “transforming rehabilitation”

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Evans
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Direct Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Local Site ◽  
Probation Service ◽  
Roll Out

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline findings from research into Integrated Offender Management (IOM), an example of multi-agency working between the police, probation and drug treatment services, and how this is expected to be affected by the “Transforming Rehabilitation” (TR) changes to the probation service being introduced by the Ministry of Justice. Design/methodology/approach – The methodological approach was realistic evaluation. The findings of this paper draw upon semi-structured interviews undertaken with IOM staff, offenders and a small number of national IOM portfolio holders. Observations of the operation of IOM in the local site have also been used. Findings – Three underpinning mechanisms within IOM were uncovered during the research, all of which are at risk from the TR changes. Research limitations/implications – IOM, as it currently operates, will be affected fundamentally by the TR changes, due to the disruption to stable multi-agency working. The research is limited by taking place during the planning and initial roll out of the TR changes; as a result interviewees were commenting on their expectations rather than their direct experience of the changes. However, their experience within IOM makes them well placed to assess the likely impact of TR. Originality/value – As the TR changes are new, this paper is amongst only a small number seeking to assess their anticipated impact based on primary research.

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