30 April 2009
In response to the Bradley Report on people with mental health problems or learning disabilities in the Criminal Justice System, Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“The fact that this vital area of public policy has been left unaddressed for so long is scandalous, so Lord Bradley’s detailed and far reaching report is welcome.
“The risk is that these essential reforms will never get out of the starting blocks without serious investment. The Government has already stated that there is a strong possibility that no further funding will be available.
“It would be a disgrace for this report to be filed under good intentions, especially the high given high financial and human cost of doing nothing. To have all the evidence of what needs to be done so clearly demonstrated and not to act would be inexcusable.
“In particular we welcome Lord Bradley’s strong focus early intervention, and the Government’s recognition that Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Children’s Trusts have vital roles to play in helping young offenders and young people at risk of offending.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
For more information please contact the Mental Health Foundation press office on 020 7803 1130/1128 or sloveland@mhf.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation (www.mentalhealth.org.uk) uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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