Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 May 2007. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 May 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prisoners: Self-mutilation

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice what provision is in place for the treatment of women prisoners deemed at risk of self-harm in settings outside the prison estate.

Answer: An assessment and care planning tool known as an Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork plan (ACCT) is opened for women (and men) prisoners identified at risk of self-harm in prison. If an at-risk prisoner is escorted out of the prison setting, the ACCT plan and its instructions to support the prisoner and keep them safe goes with them. Where risk is identified before a prisoner new to custody reaches prison, court or escort staff will open a suicide/self-harm warning form to keep the prisoner safe until they arrive at prison (where ACCT procedures are activated).

Secondary information