Madam, – I am writing regarding your report that a mentally ill, homeless and drug-addicted woman was forcibly removed from prison despite saying she had nowhere to go (Front page, June 17th).
Focus Ireland believes the experience of this distressed woman highlights the pressing need for a clear policy that ensures planned release and that ensures no inmates are released into homelessness.
This is especially vital for people with mental health problems and/or addiction issues, as without accommodation they will be homeless.
Focus Ireland has found that without accommodation and support, people in these situations not only become homeless but some also quickly return to drug addiction and crime.
There is work being done to address these issues. Focus Ireland is working with the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service and the HSE’s Homeless Persons Unit to run three pilot Prison In-Reach programmes in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
This service aims to provide an effective response between prison services, homeless services and housing to prevent people becoming or returning to homelessness on leaving prison. Focus Ireland believes that the type of intensive work carried out by the In-reach services needs to be replicated across the prison system as part of any response to these issues. – Yours, etc,