‘Low-Level’ Social Care Needs of Adults in Prison (LOSCIP): A Scoping Review of the UK Literature

Deborah Buck (), Akash Ali, Noor Butt, Helen Chadwick, Lee D. Mulligan, Adam O’Neill, Catherine Robinson, Jenny J. Shaw, Andrew Shepherd, Josh Southworth, Kate Stalker and Katrina Forsyth
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Deborah Buck: Social Care and Society, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
Akash Ali: Social Care and Society, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
Noor Butt: Social Care and Society, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
Helen Chadwick: Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, London N1 9AB, UK
Lee D. Mulligan: Division of Psychology & Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9P, UK
Adam O’Neill: Division of Psychology & Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9P, UK
Catherine Robinson: Social Care and Society, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
Jenny J. Shaw: Division of Psychology & Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9P, UK
Andrew Shepherd: Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Prestwich M25 3BL, UK
Josh Southworth: Social Care and Society, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
Kate Stalker: Social Care and Society, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
Katrina Forsyth: Social Care and Society, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: In England, local authorities are responsible for providing social care in prison in accordance with the Care Act (implemented in 2015), but little is known about ‘low-level’ needs that do not meet eligibility criteria. These ‘low-level’ social care needs can greatly affect individuals living in prison with limited autonomy. This scoping review aimed to describe the nature, extent, and conceptualisation of ‘low-level’ social care in UK prisons, including prevention and promotion of independence. We adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Papers were screened by pairs of reviewers. In total, 31 papers were included. Findings are reported using descriptive techniques. Types of ‘low-level’ social care discussed included finances (n = 8 papers), feelings of safety (n = 8), and dignity (n = 8). Ten papers included prevention of social care needs and/or promoting independence in relation to social care needs. Evidence is limited, and further research is needed on ‘low-level’ support needs of people in prison. Consensus is needed on what constitutes ‘low-level’ social care needs; how they may vary depending on individual characteristics including age, gender, ethnicity, culture, and neurodiversity; and how individuals should be supported with these needs.

Keywords: social care; social support; support needs; low-level needs; adults; older adults; prison; scoping review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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