§ 29. Mr. CranstonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the contents of current regimes in young offender institutions. [48426]
§ Ms QuinIn line with recommendations made by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons in his Thematic Review of young prisoners, a significant programme is underway to review and improve arrangements for holding young offenders within the Prison Service.
Improved regimes are being developed in four Young Offender Institutions: Huntercombe, Werrington, Swinfen Hall and Onley. £2 million has been made available to allow for an increase in hours spent in purposeful activity; an improvement in education, work, offending behaviour programmes and Physical Education; and development of throughcare and resettlement. The results of this project will be assessed by comparing the progress of young prisoners in these establishments with those in a control group.
As part of the Government's New Deal, "Welfare to Work" gateway courses are being trialed in 11 establishments. Seven of these establishments are Young Offender Institutions and two hold young offenders as well as adult prisoners. This scheme will benefit 18 to 24-year-old prisoners by improving their chances of finding employment after release, and therefore should assist the resettlement process.
53WThe results from both projects will inform the development of regimes in other young offender in other young offender institutions.