A recent report indicates that more than one-third of deaths among former prisoners on probation in Wales were due to drug-related causes in 2024-25. This figure is significantly higher than the national average for England and Wales, where such deaths accounted for just over 20% of the total. The report calls for urgent action from politicians to address systemic failures in the criminal justice system.
The findings also highlight rising homelessness among prison leavers, with a 24% increase in rough sleeping on release. The Welsh government is advocating for the devolution of justice powers to better address these issues, while the UK government is investing in support services for those overcoming addiction.