Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to work with faith groups to support people being released from prison.

We work with faith groups to support prison leavers in several ways. Prison chaplaincy teams have links with community organisations, both faith-based and secular, and can often provide mentoring and support, either through an established community chaplaincy service or through individual arrangements.

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) provides funding for the Welcome Directory, which connects prisons, and those who help prison leavers to resettle, with faith and belief communities who are prepared to welcome and support those leaving prison.

HMPPS has also established the Chaplaincy Faith and Belief Forum, which enables faith and belief representatives to discuss policy, operational issues and matters of general concern relating to pastoral care, faith and belief practice for those in prison and those under supervision in the community.