HC Deb 22 July 2004 vol 424 cc605-6W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Government's strategy is for monitoring repeat paedophiles returning to the community after release from prison. [184176]

Paul Goggins

The protection of the public from sexual and violent offender; is one of the Government's highest priorities, particularly where children are involved. The release of such offenders into the community requires the robust assessment and management of risk. Since April 2001 ensuring such arrangements are in place have been the responsibility of police and probation in each of the 42 Areas of England and Wales. The arrangements, which are known as the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), have recently been strengthened by the Criminal Justice Act (2003).