APF welcomes extra funding for drug treatment

Action for Prisoners’ Families has welcomed the announcement today by Prisons Minister David Hanson that extra funding is to be allocated for drug treatment in prisons.

Lucy Gampell, Director of Action for Prisoners’ Families, said: “We are pleased that the Government recognizes the importance of effective drug treatment in prison in reducing re-offending and the harm caused to individuals, their families and communities.”

“People who are addicted to illegal substances like heroin and crack cocaine tend to commit offences, most of which are acquisitive, to fund their addiction. Drug abuse is destructive of social relationships and affects disproportionately individuals and families who are already poor and socially excluded”.

The Government’s statement comes in the wake of a consultation, launched by the Sentencing Guidelines Council last week, which looks at the option of not incarcerating people who offend because of their drug addiction.

APF believes that problematic drug use is a medical and a social problem, and cannot be controlled by punishment alone. Although improving drug treatment in prisons is a positive step, drug users and their families need tangible support in the community. Without help on release, people are likely to relapse into use, go back to a chaotic lifestyle and eventually to crime.


ENDS/

Notes for Editors:

Action for Prisoners' Families is the national organisation representing the needs of prisoners' families

Together with CLINKS, the Prison Advice & Care Trust and the Prison Reform Trust, Action for Prisoners’ Families have unveiled a joint Agenda for Action, calling on the government to reduce re-offending by providing more support for the children and families of prisoners. Part of the Agenda is a request that the Government review the practice of restricting movement during social visits, to ensure that adequate opportunity is provided for prisoners to interact with their children, commensurate with safety and security.

For more information please visit www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk

Arianna Silvestri
Communications Officer
Action for Prisoners' Families
Unit 21, Carlson Court
116 Putney Bridge Road
London SW15 2NQ
www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk
Tel: 0208 812 3600

PRISONERS’ FAMILIES HELPLINE: 0808 808 2003
The freephone national helpline offering information and support
to anyone with a relative or friend in prison.
www.prisonersfamilieshelpline.org.uk