CRI is part of an exciting new initiative in Hounslow to help reduce re-offending. Integrated Offender Management (IOM) is a multi-agency partnership dedicated to providing comprehensive services designed to cut re-offending amongst priority groups in the borough.

The IOM approach brings together the Metropolitan Police, London Probation Trust, the London Borough of Hounslow, CRI, HMP Wormwood Scrubs and Hounslow Youth Offending Service to provide wide-ranging support to clients with multiple and complex needs.

The scheme will target a range of different groups, including Priority & Prolific Offenders (PPOs), repeat offenders, young people, families, and individuals serving prison sentences of less than 12 months. The scheme offers a flexible range of interventions and enforcement options that are designed to help those who might otherwise "fall through the net". It will also be targeted at those who do not respond to other forms of treatment or sanctions.

Zoe Rice, CRI Service Manager Hounslow, said: "Substance misuse is likely to feature in many of these cases and, for some individuals, will be a major factor behind their offending behaviour. CRI will be working in partnership with support and enforcement agencies to enable individuals to access treatment services that will help reduce and stop their substance use and related offending."

CRI delivers a wide range of substance misuse and offender management services in Hounslow. Of these, the Prison Link and PPO roles will play a key role in the delivery of the IOM scheme. Other CRI services will be part of the wider offer of recovery-based services in the borough. These include the arrest referral team, structured day programme, open access and recovery and reintegration services and services provided by other treatment/support providers, including CNWL, the social work team, EACH and Equinox.

"We welcome the launch of Integrated Offender Management in Hounslow," says Zoe. "This approach provides an opportunity to further develop the close partnership working between key agencies in the borough and recognises the importance of this partnership working in providing effective support that enables individuals to make positive changes to their lives and the communities in which they live."

IOM was launched at Hounslow Civic Centre on 14 July.