Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Neuberger (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 15 January 2008.

Mental Health: Community Orders

Question: My Lords, I thank the Minister for her reply but, given that our prisons appear to be stuffed full of people with mental health problems, can she tell us what, in the very short term before the review comes out, the Government are planning to do to discourage the use of prison in favour of some kind of community order for people with mental health problems? Secondly, is she taking seriously the review of the noble Baroness, Lady Corston, which has called for investment in alternatives to prison for women offenders, many of whom have mental health problems?

Answer: My Lords, work is already under way on the assessment and diversion of those with mental health problems. We are also working on a training programme to improve mental health awareness throughout the criminal justice system. The review by my noble friend Lord Bradley will consider the recommendations of the excellent report by my noble friend Baroness Corston. His review will look at the diversion of women offenders, as well as of children and young people.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 697 c1180-1
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Alternatives to prison Women Offenders Mental illness Sentencing Mental health services Community orders
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk