There was a shared sense of optimism at a meeting of the all party parliamentary group on penal reform earlier this week.
Labour peer Lord Bradley spoke of the progress he has witnessed since the government responded to his report on people with mental health problems or learning disabilities in the criminal justice system.
He argued that there has been a move to a more "multi-agency" approach as organisations have started to work together "in a more effective way" since being brought in for talks.
Bradley declared he was "very heartened" by news that regional criminal justice mental health teams, the creation of which was recommended in the report, are already in place and "keen and enthusiastic".
Another of the proposals, a national board to oversee the implementation of the report, was said to be "up and running".
The peer also noted that the police are being "very supportive".
In conclusion, Lord Bradley said he is "optimistic change can take place" although this will be incremental rather than "overnight."
Lord Corbett of Castle Vale, chair of the group, expressed his pleasure at being able to "actually detect movement after a report," something he said was "not a common experience".
Liberal Democrat peer Lord Carlile also praised the report, which he described as "excellent".
Attendees were invited to ask questions.
Baron Dholakia, also a Liberal Democrat peer, asked whether international systems had been examined, how progress would be measured and whether the needs of young people in the black community had been explored.
Lord Bradley responded that only "limited opportunities" had been available to examine systems abroad.
Inspectorates, he argued, will ensure effective assessments are carried out.
He highlighted that there had been a separate recommendation in the report to examine the needs of young people and ethnic minorities.
The controversial issue of clinical supervision was raised by crossbench peer Lord Listowel, who asked if Lord Bradley was in favour of the method.
Bradley replied that he "absolutely agreed" in some cases.
Baroness Masham, another crossbencher, was keen to address the plight of those who become dependent on secure accommodation and are then thrust into the outside world. Continued support, she asserted, is "vital".
The reply from Lord Bradley was somewhat cautious.
He admitted that huge resources were not available.
However, he insisted that support should not and would not simply be halted once people left secured accommodation.
In his opinion the third sector and local communities need to play a bigger role in helping individuals to reconnect with society.
Lord Carlile, who is also a barrister, was critical of the current lack of early intervention in the criminal justice system.
He asked that the legal profession be made more aware of the need to look at mental health issues.
Bradley agreed and was keen to stress that "all have a role to play".
The biggest challenge ahead, he said, is "getting the message across" to ensure that change happens.
