§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research is being evaluated by his Department into the reporting of incidents of self-harm by young prisoners. [43875]
§ Ms QuinA Prison Service Headquarters research and development group on suicide and self-injury acts as a forum for formulating and co-ordinating research into suicide and self-injury in forensic settings. A range of research has been conducted, including developing risk screening procedures amongst young offenders. Current commissioned research includes a project being undertaken at the University of Kent at Canterbury, examining current practices of recording and monitoring self-injury and suicidal behaviours, with the objective of identifying more effective methods of management.
The 1997 publication "Suicide and Self-Injury in Prisons" (by the British Psychological Society) includes an overview of recent and current research in the area.
In addition, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, Sir David Ramsbotham, is currently preparing an independent thematic review on suicides and self-injury in prisons, which is expected to be completed later this summer.