Probation hostels in England and Wales forced to shut after staffing crisis
Summary
Nearly one in ten probation hostels in England and Wales have been closed due to a staffing crisis. These hostels, which supervise some of the most dangerous people after prison, are facing shortages of trained staff, sometimes replaced by untrained security guards.Key Facts
- Nine out of 105 probation hostels, known as approved premises, are currently closed.
- These hostels house about 2,000 high-risk offenders who need close supervision after prison.
- Staff shortages are partly due to contract expirations with private companies that provided overnight staff.
- Untrained security guards are sometimes filling in for trained probation staff.
- Residents of these hostels often have drug, alcohol, or mental health issues and stay for 8 to 12 weeks.
- If residents refuse drug tests or room searches, they can be sent back to prison.
- The Ministry of Justice and senior officials acknowledge the staffing and safety challenges.
- The probation officers’ union says the current system needs more funding and better management to ensure safety.
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