prisons

Thematic reports and research from the HM Inspectorate of Prisons for England and Wales.

Report that describes children and young people’s own perception of imprisonment. The seventh report to be published, it outlines the responses from surveys carried out annually in all young offender institutions holding children and young people aged 15 to 18 years old.

Findings are summarised from 1,052 young men from all nine male establishments and 40 young women from four female establishments.

The increase in the female prison population between 1997 and 2000 caused such concern that it triggered a review of the existing initiatives for working with women. The subsequent report signalled the introduction of the Women’s Offending Reduction Programme which aimed to link strategic initiatives across government departments to address women’s offending and pursue alternatives to custody. This thematic inspection report was conducted by HMI Probation, HMCPSI and HMI Prisons.

Document which sets out the context of the inspecting year 2010-11, discusses the main issues, as well as other trends and the areas of special interest that were set out in the previous year.

Report that looks at the close link between homelessness and re-offending and how homelessness increases the chances of re-offending.

Statistical bulletin that forms part of a series on the criminal justice system, and shows data up to 2010-11 on Scottish prison population level and characteristics, receptions to/liberations from Scottish prisons, and international comparisons.

One of six briefing papers covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It provides a brief description of the operation of the prison service in Scotland, including information on the system of early release for prisoners.

Report that presents analysis and evaluation of some of the factors that have led to the fall in the number of children under the age of 18 who are imprisoned in England and Wales. The figure has dropped from around 3,000 in the first half of 2008 to around 2,000 in the first four months of 2011.

Gill McIvor, Professor of Criminology, SCCJR; Mary Belgan, Service Manager, 218 Centre; Nancy Loucks, Chief Executive, Families Outside; and Margaret Malloch, Research Fellow, SCCJR, discuss whether women's imprisonment is the best way to deal with female offenders and the possible alternatives.

The safety and security of the law-abiding citizen is a key priority of the coalition government. Everyone has a right to feel safe in their home and in their community. When that safety is threatened, those responsible should face a swift and effective response. People rely on the criminal justice system to deliver that response: punishing offenders, protecting the public, and reducing reoffending.