Non-custodial Sentences for Women

HL Deb 11 March 1999 vol 598 c42WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will issue guidance on current best practice in effective non-custodial sentences for women, especially those responsible for children. [HL1358]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

We are working with the Hereford and Worcester Probation Service to develop its supervision programme for women offenders so that it takes account of the best available evidence on what reduces offending by women. This is one of a portfolio of high quality supervision programmes which all probation services will be encouraged to adopt in due course. Guidance to services will be issued when the programme has reached the standard necessary for it to be accredited by the new joint prison and probation panel which is now being set up.