Prisons’ Minister Paul Goggins today commended recent regime developments at Hydebank Wood male Young Offenders Centre (YOC) but recognised that much greater effort is required to address concerns highlighted in a recent inspection. The Minister was responding to the Report of an inspection of the YOC which was carried out in November 2007 by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland.

The report recognises that while some progress had been made since their last visit, the YOC was struggling to deal adequately with the complex and competing tasks of managing a variety of remanded and sentenced juveniles and young adult men on a site that also contains a women’s facility. The report goes on to point out that “There can be few custodial settings with so many competing risks and vulnerabilities in one small site”.

The inspectors identified a range of matters which management of the Prison Service require to address in each of their healthy prison categories of safety, respect, purposeful activity and resettlement.

The Minister said;

“I am, of course, concerned that, at the time of this inspection, a number of criticisms were made about the provision of support and services to young male inmates. I am also pleased that there has been significant progress since the inspection in addressing the shortcomings identified in this report.

“In particular I am pleased that the Prison Service has taken steps to support the development of healthcare, including mental health services.

“At the time of the inspection plans were in place to transfer responsibility for delivery of health services to the local Trust and I very much welcome the fact that the transfer was implemented on 1 April 2008.

“The Inspectorate has also expressed concern about the education programme, noting both the limited availability of courses and the low take-up of places. I am determined to make improvement in this area and the Prison Service has seconded a Learning & Skills Adviser from the local Further Education College, with particular expertise in developing programmes for young adults. I have also discussed with the Governor his plans to introduce a more structured education programme for young inmates commencing this autumn.”

The Director of the Prison Service, Robin Masefield, stated that he was grateful to the inspectors for their report which, he said, not only provided a challenge to the Prison Service but clearly identified the work is that required to be taken forward.

He said; “The Prison Service has spent in the order of £3m to upgrade accommodation for male inmates at Hydebank Wood. Further investment is being made in refurbishing the Healthcare Centre and the Centre’s reception area.

“While the reasoning behind the Inspectorate’s recommendation about the removal of juveniles from Hydebank Wood is laudable, this is simply not achievable at present. Instead, the Prison Service is developing a comprehensive approach to the safer management of juveniles.

“I am pleased with the progress made at Hydebank Wood in addressing the inspectors' concerns. In particular, significant work has gone into development of a “Safer Lives” programme to address the needs of young offenders committed for sexually violent offences. I am very grateful to the Governor and staff at Hydebank Wood for the steps already taken to address many of the recommendations contained in this report. That said, I recognise the significant further work that still needs to be done.”

Notes to Editors

1. The inspection at Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre was carried out by representatives of HMIP and CJI between 5-9 November 2007. They were supported by representatives from the Education and Training Inspectorate.

2. The report contains 182 recommendations which are being addressed on a thematic basis. An Action Plan has been drawn up to effect this.

3. Hydebank Wood Young Offenders centre was opened in 1979. It has an operational capacity for 201 inmates.

4. There were 194 inmates in Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre on 8 July 2008.

5. Northern Ireland’s female prison is located at Ash House on the Hydebank Wood site.

6. The Report has been posted on the Prison Service website at www.niprisonservice.gov.uk/Publications/CJINI/HMCIP Inspection Reports

7. A media facility, including interviews with Governor Austin Treacy, will be provided at Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday 9 July. Media wishing to attend must contact Brian McAvoy at 028-90525354 or 07884490658 no later than 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday 8 July.

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