Recent Freedom of Information data has revealed concerning statistics about Scotland’s Prison to Rehab pathway. The figures raise questions about the effectiveness of current approaches to supporting individuals transitioning from custody to rehabilitation.

Since 2022, only 48 people have completed the 12-week treatment programme. The programme aims to help prisoners break free from substance dependency. The figures, released by the Scottish Government in January 2026, highlight the scale of challenges facing those attempting to rebuild their lives after incarceration.

Limited Prison to Rehab Pathway Tracking Raises Concerns

The Scottish Government funds the Prison to Rehab pathway but maintains minimal oversight once individuals leave residential treatment. Officials confirmed they do not track participants beyond the residential component. They also do not monitor long-term recovery outcomes or recidivism rates.

When asked how many participants remained drug-free after completing the programme, the Government stated it holds no such information. This data gap makes it difficult to assess whether the custody to rehabilitation programme delivers lasting change.

Similarly, authorities could not confirm how many participants reoffended during treatment and returned to prison. Without this critical information, evaluating the programme’s true impact remains challenging.

Repeat Custody to Rehabilitation Programme Entries Tell a Troubling Story

Perhaps most concerning is that approximately nine individuals have entered the Prison to Rehab pathway more than once since 2022. That represents nearly 19% of all participants. GDPR restrictions prevent detailed tracking. However, this pattern suggests that initial interventions may not provide sufficient support for sustained recovery.

The protocol requires participants to demonstrate “high and deep-rooted motivation to abstinent recovery” whilst in prison. Yet the Scottish Government could not specify what evidence satisfies this requirement. Clinical decisions rest with local Health Boards rather than central government.

Healthcare Gaps Remain Unaddressed

The FOI response revealed significant knowledge gaps regarding healthcare provision for imprisoned individuals struggling with addiction. Questions about assessment and treatment for conditions like ADHD and hypermobility went unanswered. Research increasingly links these conditions to substance misuse.

Health Boards now provide prison healthcare services. But the Scottish Government holds no information about screening protocols or support systems for neurodivergent offenders before they enter the custody to rehabilitation programme. This fragmented approach may leave vulnerable individuals without appropriate assessment or intervention.

Regional Planning Disconnected from Need

When questioned about demand for residential rehabilitation beds in South Ayrshire, officials confirmed the Government plays no role in determining where services are established. Individuals can access services anywhere in Scotland. Many choose facilities far from home. This decentralised model raises questions about whether provision matches regional need.

Planning decisions rest with local authorities. Regulation falls to the Care Inspectorate or Healthcare Improvement Scotland. This multi-agency approach ensures oversight. However, it creates complexity that may hinder strategic planning.

The Path Forward

These revelations underscore the importance of early intervention and prevention. Completion rates remain modest. Long-term outcomes are unknown. This makes greater emphasis on stopping substance misuse before it leads to criminal justice involvement crucial.

The Prison to Rehab pathway represents an important initiative. Yet the data suggests considerable room for improvement. Better tracking could help more people achieve lasting recovery. So could enhanced support for neurodivergent individuals and stronger connections between custodial and community services.

Public Health Scotland continues monitoring the programme through annual evaluations. However, without comprehensive data on post-treatment outcomes, assessing true effectiveness remains difficult. Those seeking alternatives to incarceration deserve robust interventions. These interventions must be evidence-based and address the complex factors driving addiction and offending.

Source: dbrecoveryresources