Support for women in prison ‘worryingly inadequate’

A new report published today by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons reveals that prisons are not providing the practical support women need to cope with a custodial sentence. At a time when self-harm incidents among women in prison are near record levels, Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor describes the findings as “deeply depressing”. He has called on prison leaders to prioritise better outcomes for women, both during their sentence and after release.

Pact Deputy CEO Ellen Green said: “Today’s report suggests a worryingly inadequate level of care for women in prison, despite their often complex needs. New ministers have inherited a system in crisis, but urgent improvement is needed to ensure women receive the support we know works.

“Despite the crucial importance of family ties for both wellbeing and reducing reoffending, the report reveals a lack of support for women’s relationships with loved ones, particularly children, for whom many are primary carers. More investment in evidence-based initiatives, such as family engagement services, prison-based social workers, and family and relationship programmes, would ensure better outcomes for women and their families.

“Our teams provide tailored support to some of the most vulnerable women in prison, support that is often unseen but can be lifesaving. Like so many of our prison service colleagues, they do amazing work under hugely challenging circumstances. If we are serious about creating a sustainable and effective prison system, we need to focus on funding the work that makes a real difference in helping people turn their lives around.”

We appreciate that families may be concerned reading this report. If you have worries about a loved one in prison, you can find information and advice at www.prisonadvice.org.uk/urgent-help, contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003, or speak to the Pact family services team in your loved one’s prison.

Pact's support for women in prison

Pact works in nine out of twelve women’s prisons, providing:

• family engagement services;
• prison-based social workers;
• family and relationship courses (as commissioned by prisons);
• support for women and their children;
• resettlement workers;
• intensive support for women leaving prison in London and the South East.

Pact was the first organisation to pilot prison-based social workers in women’s prisons following Lord Farmer’s 2019 review and has called for implementation in all women’s prisons. ‘Together a Chance’ is the only evaluated model of prison-based social work: https://cascadewales.org/research/evaluation-of-together-a-chance/