Social work's role in promoting continuity of care in health and justice

The delivery and access to healthcare in the criminal justice system can present with a number of hurdles and challenges. The ability to access these services in a timely manner can have a profound impact on reducing health inequalities that those in the system may experience. The necessity to ensure efficient access to health and social care services is paramount in providing the opportunity to safeguard health gains and promote individuals’ health and well-being. Within health and justice services across England, social workers in various operational and strategic roles are championing the delivery of continuity of care for this potentially vulnerable patient group, to support individuals to obtain better health outcomes. Social workers in this field draw on their skill sets to endorse social justice and remove barriers to ensure individuals voices are heard during their recovery journey. Promoting continuity of care is a key component to this, and where social workers will discover the implications of oppression and stigma. This chapter will explore the contribution social work skills can provide in the criminal justice journey, and the ability our value and skill base has in challenging discrimination and advocating for continuity of care.