Women

Past, Present & Future - Women's Penal Policy

Howard League Scotland has been clear about its objection to the proposed new women's prison HMP Inverclyde. We recently provided evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee voicing concerns that the decision to build the new prison is not in keeping with the recommendations of the 2012 report of the Commission on Women Offenders.

It is worth casting our minds back to the early 1970s, when the decision was taken to build HMP Cornton Vale. This documentary, made in 1972, considers the rationale for building Cornton Vale (which the reporter notes "sets the pattern for future Scots prisons"):

Scotland on Screen -Women’s Prisons 1
Scotland on Screen -Women’s Prisons 2

And this following episode of STV's 'Scottish Women' sought to address the spate of suicides that took place in Cornton Vale in the 1990s.

As Scotland embarks on building a new prison for women, can we be sure we have learned the lessons of past failures?

 

PQ re pregnant women in HMP Inverclyde

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN ANSWER

10 April 2014           

Index Heading: Learning and Justice

 Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government  what provision HMP Inverclyde will make for prisoners (a) who are pregnant and (b) with babies.

(S4W-20345)

Mr Kenny MacAskill MSP:

I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

HMP & YOI Inverclyde will provide a purpose built mother and baby unit which may also be used, as appropriate, and depending on individual need, for pregnant women who may also be accommodated in mainstream accommodation.

All pregnant women and those with babies will have their physical needs met by the NHS healthcare team, and their general management will be via a multidisciplinary team approach with named lead professionals. Each woman will also have a Personal Officer to co-ordinate her general care and support.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

PQ on healthcare services for HMP Inverclyde

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN ANSWER

10 April 2014

Index Heading: Learning and Justice

 Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government  what discussions have taken place regarding healthcare services at HMP Inverclyde.

 

(S4W-20344)

Mr Kenny MacAskill MSP:

I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond.  His response is as follows:

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board are closely involved in the Design Phase of HMP & YOI Inverclyde development project. This partnership working will continue throughout the development lifecycle.

Primary care services will be provided at the new establishment to a standard equivalent to that available within the community.

 

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

PQ on transport links to Inverclyde

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN ANSWER

10 April 2014           

Index Heading: Learning and Justice

 Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government  what discussions have taken place regarding public transport links to HMP Inverclyde.

 

(S4W-20343)

Mr Kenny MacAskill MSP:

I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

Ove Arup and Partners Scotland Ltd were commissioned by the HMP & YOI Inverclyde Project Design Team to produce a Travel Plan which details sustainable travel options for visitors and staff to the new prison and YOI. The Travel Plan includes for the provision of a Travel Plan Co-ordinator who will be appointed in 2015.

 

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

PQ on Inverclyde - which experts consulted in design phase?

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN ANSWER

10 April 2014           

Index Heading: Learning and Justice

 Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government  which (a) international experts and (b) children and family groups the Scottish Prison Service has consulted regarding the design of HMP Inverclyde.

 

(S4W-20342)

Mr Kenny MacAskill MSP:

I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

The HMP & YOI Inverclyde Project Design Team have carried out extensive literature reviews and benchmarking exercises to ensure the facility is robustly designed to meet the needs of women. This included attendance at international events as well as a range of institutions both at home and abroad meeting with a range of experts.

SACRO, Families Outside, Turning Point, Willow Project are an example of some of the children and family groups who have been involved during the development’s design phase.

 

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

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