mvlHwNmC
type: Answer
type: WrittenAnswer
answer has question: P1ggObPA
answer has answering person: AXsJ7KXj
answer text: I have written to the Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board to express my gratitude for their hard work and observations. I was encouraged by the comments that HMP/YOI Parc remains a well-managed prison where prisoners are treated respectfully and their safety is of paramount importance. The new initiatives including the introduction of mental health pathways aimed at prioritising referrals and improving support, and the regular Healthcare Newsletter are to be applauded. HMPPS has taken decisive action to combat the threat of drugs on prisons and has formed a Drugs Taskforce, working with law enforcement and health partners across government, to restrict supply, reduce demand and build recovery. The Taskforce is providing support across the estate but is focused on the prisons with the worst drug problems. Locally at HMP/YOI Parc, a dedicated group of staff have been recruited to cover the visits CCTV and visitor searching; this has provided greater continuity of cover and has led to an improvement in the quality of searching. The prison continues to work closely with South Wales Police and other National Crime Agencies gathering intelligence in order to disrupt organised crime both within the prison and outside. G4S are also in the process of recruiting 35 new officers as part of the HMPPS Offender Management in Custody (OMIC) Model. It is recognised that levels of violence remain too high, with a disproportionate percentage still taking place across the Youth Secure Estate. As the Board has observed, one factor which exacerbates this is the ever-changing population of challenging children and young people, many from further afield than the local catchment area. However, from July 2017 to June 2018, only 25.2% of placements into Parc YOI on average were young people who did not belong to Welsh or South Western Youth Offending teams. A Behaviour Management Strategy is being developed, which aims to address risks and needs at the lowest possible level through ear…
answer given date: 2018-10-09+01:00
answer has answering body: BRTNQywN
written answer has answering body: BRTNQywN