CASS+ has been recognised as one of three examples of notable positive practice by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons in a report published by HM Inspectorate of Prisons this year.
Meeting His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons
In March, members of our team in Exeter and Truro met the inspection team. This was a great opportunity to explain about our work inside the courts across Devon and Cornwall.
Reporting directly to the Secretary of State for Justice, Mr Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of Prisons, scrutinises the conditions and treatment of prisoners and detainees. Additionally, he inspects prisons, young offender institutions, secure training centres, court custody and immigration detention facilities. This report follows a scheduled routine inspection of the custody arrangements in courts across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.
Unique opportunity
Furthermore, this visit gave us a unique opportunity to share about our work and the day-to-day issues our clients face.
The report is now available
His report on the inspection of court custody facilities in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset is now available. We’re delighted to say that the report highlights CASS+ very favourably.
Summary of the report
In summary, court custody agencies continue to work well together, with a clear focus on detainee welfare and conditions. Despite fatigue and frustration, court staff remain committed to meeting detainees’ needs. Unfortunately, the geography of the region continues to hinder effective delivery. This also affects recruitment and retention of staff. More positively, the facilities are clean, and staff have improved the food and health care. Last but by no means least, staff rarely hold children.
One of three examples of notable positive practice
The Chief Inspector of Prisons gave three standout mentions in his report:
- Some custody facilities provide a selection of reading glasses with varying strengths, freely available for people attending court.
- Reading materials, soft footballs, playing cards, colouring books, fidget toys and stress balls are available to distract and calm people facing court in Exeter and are ‘very good and much better than we see elsewhere’.
- CASS+ is available with free, confidential and practical help and emotional support for people going through court in Devon and Cornwall. This includes advocating and working with individuals to engage with services and follow up support.
The role of CASS+
The report explains that detainees in Devon and Cornwall have an opportunity to access our advice and support (highlighted on page 17):
The CASS+ (Community Advice & Support Service) team provided proactive practical and emotional support, including post release signposting.
Benefits of CASS+ to the courts in Devon and Cornwall
Furthermore, the report goes on to explain that the courts in Cornwall and Devon benefit from our service. Ultimately, this is because we proactively signpost people to the right local support:
Court staff and detainees told us they valued the provision.
Charlie Taylor, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons
What this means
This means that CASS+ has been recognised as an example of positive practice inside the courts:
We all feel extremely honoured to have our service recognised and valued as an established and integral part of the courts across Devon and Cornwall.
Steve Parker, CEO, CASS+
Book your visit
Finally, if you would like to find out more and book a visit to one of our hubs inside the courts in Devon and Cornwall, please email admin@cassplus.org.