§ Matthew GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicides were attempted in each young offenders institution in each year since 1996. [29477]
§ Beverley HughesAvailable data are shown in the table. Figures are collected in respect of self-harm (which covers all acts of self-injury, however serious) and self-inflicted deaths: there is no separate definition of "attempted suicide". Figures in respect of self-injury from 1998 and in respect of self-inflicted deaths for the entire period are age related rather than location based because many young offenders are not located in Young Offender Institutions (YOIs). The definition of self-harm and recording practices are under review.
525W
Self-harm incidents recorded in YOI establishments Number 1996 99 1997 114
Self-harm incidents reported in establishments in England and Wales by age category between 1 January 1998 and 30 November 2001 Year Juveniles (15–17) Young Offenders (18–21) Total 1998 252 746 998 1999 205 825 1,030 2000 288 1,069 1,357 20011 366 1,201 1,567 Total 1,111 3,841 4,952 1 Year 2001 figures up to 30 November 2001
Self-inflicted deaths Juveniles (15–17) Young Offenders (18–21) Total 1996 1 11 12 1997 0 9 9 1998 3 11 14 1999 1 13 14 2000 3 13 16 2001 3 10 13 Totals 11 67 78
§ Matthew GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reduce the number of attempted suicides in young offenders' institutions. [29465]
§ Beverley HughesA proactive strategy is in place to reduce suicide and self-harm in prison and make prisons safer for all who live and work there. The strategy target areas of greatest risk, recognising that prisoners under 21 years of age are especially vulnerable, whether or not located in Young Offender Institutions (YOIs). Feltham YOI and Eastwood Park, which holds young women offenders, are among five prisons selected as pilot sites for the installation of safer cells, first night support centres, crisis suites and cells that enable staff to monitor at risk prisoners. Other initiatives, which focus on the early period in custody, include physical improvements to reception and induction areas and removal of ligature points.
The Prison Service is bidding for funds to provide an extra 860 safer cells in 16 YOIs. The under 18 age group will additionally benefit from the Prison Service's joint working with the Youth Justice Board, which is investing £1 million this financial year on safer cells. Work is also in hand on developing an effective cell sharing assessment tool; developing peer and outside support schemes suitable for young people; reducing violence and bullying; and improving identification and assessment of at risk young people and their care plans.