The Government has confirmed there are no plans to release Dame Carol Black’s latest findings on drug treatment and recovery in England’s prison system. The decision was revealed in a written parliamentary response from Baroness Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care, addressing a query by Lord Carlile of Berriew.

Dame Carol Black’s Comprehensive Review

Following her influential 2021 review of drug misuse and treatment in the community, Dame Carol Black was tasked with evaluating the scope, quality, and effectiveness of drug treatment and recovery services within English prisons. Her assessment also examined the support provided by the HM Prison and Probation Service regime.

Findings Remain Confidential

While Dame Carol has completed her report, its findings have been shared only with high-level government and health officials. These include the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, the Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, the Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention, and the Chief Executive of NHS England.

Cross-Departmental Consideration

The Government stated that the report’s implications are being carefully considered across departments and agencies. Officials aim to ensure that the recommendations align with broader efforts to improve drug treatment for prisoners as part of their “Health and Safer Streets Missions”. Despite the non-publication, the work is expected to influence future policy and intervention strategies.

The lack of transparency surrounding the report’s findings has sparked curiosity about its contents and the potential impact on drug rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.

Source: TheyWorkForYou