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

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.