Recommendation 33

As discussed in previous chapters, we welcome the work being done to improve community alternatives to custody and to make these a viable option for women. However, for those who are sentenced to custody, given the small number of prisons, we know that women will often be placed far away from their homes, and the challenges this presents for both parent and child. The Assisted Prisons Visits Scheme is welcome; however, we are concerned to hear that families are not routinely made aware of it. The MoJ needs to do more to ensure that all families are made aware of the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme.