P027 - Disentangling involvement in and the impact of integrated health and criminal justice systems in England and Wales

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

The Criminal Justice System (CJS) in England and Wales (E&W) exacerbates health and care inequality and fails to tackle re-offending. People experiencing poor health are over-represented in the CJS in E&W, and a significant proportion are marginalised and minoritized due to complex intersections of race, gender, age, poverty/ disadvantage, drug use, mental ill health and neurodiversity.

Currently little is known about the integration of health and criminal justice systems, and where the system potentially “breaks down” post-release from custody – this ESRC funded project aims to understand how increased integration of H&J systems could provide a vital response to health and care inequalities for those who potentially need this the most.

In this poster presentation, we provide an overview of this ambitious research consortium and outline our research design (mixed methods, longitudinal research), which is heavily aligned with co-creation and complex systems principles. Key work-packages include:

1. A systematic review of international literature focusing on the impact of integrated/ aligned H&J systems on health and care inequalities aims to synthesise existing evidence on integration of H&J systems and impact of CJS involvement on health inequalities;
2. Comparative case studies with women, older people, younger people, neurodivergent populations involved in the CJS will highlight specific issues within minoritised groups;
3. Quantitative analysis of routine data will determine the impact of CJS involvement on health and care inequalities; and
4. Explanatory frames will be co-created with CJS involved marginalised communities, working together with researchers, creative practitioners and third sector partners.

Authors

• Joanne McGrath, Durham University

• Steph Scott, Newcastle University

• Naomi Griffin, Newcastle University

• Kat Jackson, Newcastle University

• Michelle Addison, Durham University