— (1) From March 2024, victims and family members registered with the Victim Contact Scheme (VCS) have been able to submit a Victim Personal Statement in relation to Ministry of Justice discharge decisions. The purpose is catharsis and to provide further information and context on requests for conditions, and is in addition to the pre-existing ability to make representations in relation to conditions. Some brief guidance is given on what might be included in a statement. The statement will not be sent to the patient, Responsible Clinician, or tribunal, although it is possible that might be disclosed during other legal proceedings. (2) Applications will also be able to be made for decision summaries.
Full details available at: https://www.mentalhealthlaw.co.uk/HMPPS,_%27Information_for_victims_-_Statements_and_decision_summaries_in_restricted_patient_cases%27_(April_2024)?id=221024-1230