Halfway house effective and well-led, report finds

The facility, run by the prison and probation service, opened in 2020

A facility that helps offenders transition from prison back into society is "effective" and "well-led", an inspection has found.

Tromode House is run by the Department of Home Affairs and can accommodate up to 11 adults.

The inspection found the facility - the island's only institution of its kind - passed all its stated requirements.

Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said: "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff."

She said staff at Tromode House strived "every day to make a positive impact on the lives of our residents".

Inspectors spoke to two residents and four members of staff during the course of the inspection, and reviewed a variety of records, including audits, and policies and procedures.

Inspectors had previously requested better and more effective leadership of the facility, and the report found those demands had subsequently been met.

In addition, it described the service as safe, caring and responsive.

Inspectors said residents told them "staff were kind and offered assistance when requested".

There was a development programme in place "to support staff to keep up-to-date with best practice", which included training in "trauma-informed care, domestic violence and managing anxiety", the report found.

It also said people living there "felt they were helped to make progress, and spoke highly of staff involvement".

'Ethos of respect'

A spokeswoman said the service was commended for its "comprehensive support programmes, the professionalism and compassion of its staff, and its well-maintained and safe living environment".

It also "acknowledged the comprehensive processes in place for safeguarding, the general ethos of respect, and understanding of trauma-informed care," she added.

As well as a place to stay, the service also helped people to adopt healthy-living habits, with "help and guidance" available "to improve cooking skills".

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