prisoners

User views of punishment: the comparative experience of short prison sentences and community based punishments

Scotland is currently engaged in one of the biggest penal reform projects in a generation, seeking to fundamentally change its approach to punishment, which is characterised by high use of imprisonment compared to other parts of Europe, and the use of very short prison sentences. In Scotland around three quarters of prison sentences handed down by the courts are for six months or less. But because short sentences are seen as minimally intrusive compared to long-term or life sentences, there has been, until now, little research on their effects.

In the dark : the mental health implications of Imprisonment for Public Protection

Imprisonment for Public Protection is an indeterminate sentence given to offenders who are categorised as 'dangerous' but whose offences do not carry a life sentence. This report presents the findings of research carried out on the mental health of IPP prisoners and makes recommendations to address problems identified.

Children and young people in custody 2006-2008: an analysis of the experiences of 15-18-year-olds in prison

This report presents the findings of a survey of the views and perceptions of 2,500 young people held in prison. Information is included on young people’s perceptions of their conditions and treatment, from their transfer to the establishment to their preparation for release. The results for young women, young men, and those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds are discussed separately.

Race relations in prison: responding to adult women from black and minority ethnic backgrounds

This paper provides an overview of the different experiences and specific needs of minority ethnic adult women in prison, highlighting the contextual effects of multiple discrimination; being a ‘woman’, from a ‘minority ethnic’ group, often from ‘minority nationality groups’ and from ‘lower socio-economic’ backgrounds.

Support and Information for children affected by imprisonment

Key points from this briefing are presented. Every year in the UK, more children experience a parent’s imprisonment than a parent’s divorce. Prisoners’ children suffer from many problems as a result of the imprisonment. Talking to children and young people about imprisonment is not easy and is a significant source of stress for parents and carers. A number of resources are increasingly available to help explain imprisonment to children and to give children and young people the information they need.