Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Paragraph: 50
The Committee welcome the Government’s decision to temporarily release pregnant women and women in prison...
Conclusion
The Committee welcome the Government’s decision to temporarily release pregnant women and women in prison with their children, whenever it is safe to do so. The Committee recognise that this cohort of women require specialist support in the community, but in the 14 weeks since the announcement was made, only 23 women out of around 70 eligible, have been released from custody. We ask the Ministry to explain why that is.
Paragraph Reference:
50
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
During the pandemic we have operated a scheme under which prisoners in the following groups may be considered for Compassionate Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL): • Pregnant women; • Prisoners with their babies in custody (in Mother and Baby Units); • Those defined by the NHS guidelines as ‘medically extremely vulnerable’ to COVID-19. Release is not automatic but based on a case-by-case assessment of whether it would be safe to do so. As always, public protection must maintain our overarching consideration and not prisoner has been released without satisfying a thorough risk assessment. In addition, some prisoners have been unwilling to be considered for ROTL, whilst others are ineligible in statute. Those held on remand, for example, can only be released by the courts via a bail hearing. Moreover, we will not release anyone under the scheme without ensuring they have access to appropriate, safe accommodation, necessary support services in the community and an agreed health care pathway in place. By the end of September, 54 prisoners had been released under compassionate ROTL. Eligible and suitable prisoners continue to be released under the scheme, which remains live.