Q&A - Women's Approved Premises, Preston
At the PACT meeting held on the 2nd November 2011 a number of questions were raised concerning the conversion of 6, East Cliff into an approved premises for female offenders. What follows is a summary of the key issues raised and a response to them from Lancashire Probation Trust.
Q. Why were local residents not consulted about the planning application?
A. Because it was not an application for permission to open a new approved premises. As the building at 6, East Cliff had previously been used as an approved premises for offenders the application was simply for a 'lawful change of use' (from adult male offenders to adult female offenders). Where there is an obligation to consult with local residents, the Council and not the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) or Lancashire Probation Trust, is required to undertake this work. However as this is a change of use application there was no requirement for the council to consult local residents.
Q. What is the building going to be used for?
A. Previously the building had been used to accommodate male prisoners who were being discharged from
Q. What is the success of other women's approved premises in terms of reduced reoffending?
A. There are eight approved premises for women in
Q. What kind of women offenders will be accommodated at 6, East Cliff and where will they be from?
A. Women will only be accepted at the approved premises following a thorough assessment of their risks and needs. They are however likely to be women who will have committed offences serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence and who require a structured environment and an enhanced level of supervision. Whether subject to a court order or prison licence the aim will be to work with the women to reduce their risk of reoffending. It is expected that most of the residents at the approved premises will be referred by employees of Lancashire Probation Trust although some, where it is not feasible for them to return to their home town straight from prison, may be from outside the area. These referrals will only be accepted on the basis that the length of stay will be four months and that they will then be resettled back in their home area.
Q. Will the women be allowed to have visitors?
A. The female residents will be allowed to have visitors but this will be subject to strict controls. Maintaining contact with families can be an important element in reducing reoffending for many women and most family members will also want to stay in contact with residents. Family contact can be maintained through phone calls, text messages, e'mails and letters quite apart from visits and this will be encouraged where appropriate. There may of course be some instances where family, friends or acquaintences are judged to have an adverse influence on a resident and prohibitions may be included in court orders or prison licences to prevent contact. In addition, visits will be pre-booked and can be approved or refused by staff. All visitors will be escorted in the building by a member of staff and their whereabouts, whether in the building or the grounds, will be known by staff at all times. These
As mentioned at the meeting we will provide an opportunity for those who are interested to attend an open day at the approved premises in the new year once the building has been brought up to the required standard.
