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11/03/2004
Scheme launched to reduce population of women in custody
A three-year government programme has been unveiled today which has been designed to tackle women's offending and reduce the number of women in prison.
The Women's Offending Reduction Programme will co-ordinate work across departments and agencies to ensure that policies, services, and other interventions respond more appropriately to the particular needs and characteristics of women offenders and address the wide range of factors which can affect why women offend.
The need for the programme was underlined by Statistics on Women and the Criminal Justice System (2003), published today by the Home Office. The statistics show that while women account for only a small proportion of the prison population, the numbers were increasing.
Women prisoners make up just over 6% of the prison population. In 2002 there were, on average, 4,299 women in prison. However, the annual average population of women in custody has risen by 173% since 1992, compared to a 50% increase for men, according to Home Office statistics released today. And 55% of women in prison have at least one child under 16. Eight thousand children a year have their living arrangements disrupted by their mother going into prison.
The majority of women in prison are serving sentences of less than 12 months, more than half have at least one child under 16, and women prisoners are more likely than men to have mental health and/or drug problems.
Prisons Minister Paul Goggins said: "While women make up only a small proportion of offenders, the figures we are publishing today highlight the need for a distinct and co-ordinated approach to tackling women's offending. The issues involved are complex and can include mental health problems, substance misuse, housing and childcare issues, histories of abuse, poverty, education, training and employment.
"The Women's Offending Reduction Programme has been developed to deliver a cross-government response, drawing together strands of work and best practice from across departments, the public and voluntary sectors."
(gmcg)
The Women's Offending Reduction Programme will co-ordinate work across departments and agencies to ensure that policies, services, and other interventions respond more appropriately to the particular needs and characteristics of women offenders and address the wide range of factors which can affect why women offend.
The need for the programme was underlined by Statistics on Women and the Criminal Justice System (2003), published today by the Home Office. The statistics show that while women account for only a small proportion of the prison population, the numbers were increasing.
Women prisoners make up just over 6% of the prison population. In 2002 there were, on average, 4,299 women in prison. However, the annual average population of women in custody has risen by 173% since 1992, compared to a 50% increase for men, according to Home Office statistics released today. And 55% of women in prison have at least one child under 16. Eight thousand children a year have their living arrangements disrupted by their mother going into prison.
The majority of women in prison are serving sentences of less than 12 months, more than half have at least one child under 16, and women prisoners are more likely than men to have mental health and/or drug problems.
Prisons Minister Paul Goggins said: "While women make up only a small proportion of offenders, the figures we are publishing today highlight the need for a distinct and co-ordinated approach to tackling women's offending. The issues involved are complex and can include mental health problems, substance misuse, housing and childcare issues, histories of abuse, poverty, education, training and employment.
"The Women's Offending Reduction Programme has been developed to deliver a cross-government response, drawing together strands of work and best practice from across departments, the public and voluntary sectors."
(gmcg)
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Call for closure of women's prisons
The government is being urged to introduce a programme of closures of women's prisons in order to help reduce re-offending. The Howard League for Penal Reform said that there should be a transfer for resources to community programmes and treatment facilities in order to tackle women's needs and reduce re-offending.
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As many as 500 prison officers could be made redundant as part of a major, fundamental reform of the prison service in Northern Ireland. There is a severance package being proposed as one of the recommendations in an interim report published by a review team.
12 October 2006
Tagged prisoners on crime spree
Prisoners released from jail early and placed under tagging scheme have committed over 1,000 crimes. According to the figures obtained by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) these include one murder, four manslaughters, over 700 assaults and hundreds of other crimes recorded since 1999.
Tagged prisoners on crime spree
Prisoners released from jail early and placed under tagging scheme have committed over 1,000 crimes. According to the figures obtained by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) these include one murder, four manslaughters, over 700 assaults and hundreds of other crimes recorded since 1999.
14 August 2006
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
