Earlier this month two charities launched a new campaign to bring our criminal record system up-to-date. The charities are Unlock, a national organisation which provides voice and support for people with convictions who face stigma and obstacles because of their criminal record, and Transform Justice which works for a “fair,… Work with Offenders looks at a new initiative to reform our outdated criminal records system...
Twice a year the Prison Reform Trust publishes its Bromley Briefing Prison Factfile, an invaluable resource for anyone and everyone interested in what’s going on in our prisons. The new edition, published today, runs to 64 pages of detailed and up-to-date statistics on every aspect of prison life. The Briefing… Work with offenders looks at the latest fascinating edition of the Prison Reform Trust’s Bromley Briefing Prison Factfile....
When the probation inspectors finished their first round of inspections of all the Community Rehabilitation Companies using their new rating system last September, the results made for some very dismal reading. The inspectors use a four tier rating system: “outstanding”, “good”, “requires improvement” and “inadequate”. Nineteen CRC’s were rated as… Work with Offenders celebrates a positive inspection of the Thames Valley Community Rehabilitation Company...
Many children separated from their peers in young offender institutions (YOIs) are effectively held in harmful solitary confinement, with little human contact and in conditions which risk damaging their mental health, according to a report published on 21 January 2020. Prison inspectors found fundamental flaws in the use of “separation” in the… Work with Offenders examines a new prison inspectors’ report on the use of “separation” in our young offender institutions...
The last official inspection of HMP Liverpool, published in January 2018, marked a low point in the prisons crisis. Living conditions were among the worst inspectors had ever seen; with hundreds of broken windows, filthy block lavatories, graffiti, damp, dirt, rodents and insects. Chief Inspector Peter Clarke was particularly appalled… Work with Offenders reviews the detail of a very welcome new prison inspection report which charts a dramatic improvement in conditions at HMP Liverpool....
Much of the recent criticism of the probation service has focused on the underperformance of the 21 private Community Rehabilitation Companies. Indeed, so poor has been their performance, that the Ministry of Justice has decided to cut short their contracts and redesign the whole probation service. The National Probation Service… Work With offenders digs into the detail of a highly critical report by probation inspectors...
Over the last decade, there’s been a growing awareness about how many people are affected by trauma. People caught up in the criminal justice system are particularly likely to have suffered a range of traumatic experiences – ranging from emotional, physical and sexual abuse, to neglect, bullying, violence, bereavement and… Work with Offenders looks at the growing acknowledgement of the importance of trauma-informed work...
John Apter, Chairman of the Police Federation, has said he will meet with Priti Patel in the New Year to ensure tougher sentences for those convicted of assaulting a police officer. Mr Apter said: “Violent offenders simply cannot continue be allowed to walk away with a slap on the wrist… The Police Federation will meet with the Home Secretary in the New Year to discuss harsher sentences for those who assault officers. ...