Ino Mag 2010 Issue Dates

Publication Dates For 2010

 January 25th

 April 26th

Article Deadline 19th April

 August 23rd

Article Deadline 16th August

 December 20th

Article Deadline 13th Dec

 We need your articles, views and opinions. This is your chance to be heard; don’t waste it!

Ino Mag 3rd Issue Now Available

Well here we are again! Welcome to the bigger and better Ino Magazine. We have a lot of exciting news about new contracts for Community Payback.

A young ‘transformed’ ex-offender talks about his experiences and how he has managed to turn his life around.

Clara Clint explains about a new campaign to supply a mentor for every young offender

And I report about the Action for Prisoners’ Families and Ministry of Justices’ ‘Women in Focus Conferences.

 Please lookout for our future issues and supplements from Ino Mag in Probation Offices/Approved Premises across Leicestershire and Rutland, hostels throughout Leicestershire, all Leicestershire Libraries and any East Midlands Prison Establishments.

Click here to read our latest issue of Ino Mag http://issuu.com/communitymediahub/docs/ino_mag3

Tell us… Was your cell nice enough?

Suspected criminals are being handed customer satisfaction forms to check their time spent in a cell was cosy enough.

Police officers were giving out the leaflets with 41 questions about food, cleanliness and reading material.

Suspects are asked to rate whether the food and drink was suitable for their dietary needs and if books and magazines were supplied ‘on request’. Other questions focus on the quality of the cell, whether it was clean enough, the right temperature and if they were offered a shower and a phone call.

Officers are complaining that the form encourages suspects to use the cell buzzer like ‘a room service hotline.’

Some of the police cell s are used as overnight holding cells for convicted prisoners when jails are full.

The hotel-style ‘Did you enjoy your stay?” questionnaire is being handed to 1,000 prisoners as part of a pilot scheme at Devon and Cornwall Constabulary to ‘improve the service’.

Suspects will be asked to rate a variety of ‘services’ on offer, including if they ‘felt safe’ in their cell and whether it was ‘too hot’ or ‘too cold’.

One officer, who did not want to be named , said: ‘It is a bit rich really. These people are in the cell for a reason, it’s not like they’ve come here on holiday. They are starting to treat the emergency call buzzer like a room service hotline.’

Dave James, secretary of Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, said the suspects were being treated better than hotel customers. ‘You would not get a questionnaire that detailed in a Holiday Inn,’ he added.

Senior officers said it was a part of a pilot scheme to see if the force could improve its service. Chief Insp Ivan Tretheway, the force’s head of custody said: ‘It does not mean we will be providing steak dinners as a result. There could be some valuable learning points, however.’

Frances Crook, director of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: ‘Those individuals taken into police custody are not prisoners and have not been convicted of any criminal offence. Most will be released without charge and without a blot on their character.

‘These innocent people must be protected from harm and treated with respect. It could happen to anyone.’

Source: Metro, 14/08/09

The Lloyds TSB Foundation Young Offenders Programme

The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales has launched its Young Offenders Programme which has  1 million funding available to charities which are working to improve the life choices and chances of young offenders in England and Wales.

You need to be a registered charity in order to apply. Your charity can be any size but should have a proven track record of working with young offenders, aged between 15 and 21, in areas including:

* Acommodation
* Skills training
* Employment mentoring
* Drugs and alcohol
* Mental health
* Restorative justice
* Family support and relationships.

Grants can fund new and innovative work. They can also be used to extend a proven model of successful work or to enable the development of joined up projects. Funding can be up to three years and can cover core and project costs. Capital costs are not covered.

The application deadline for expressions of interest is 25 September 2009.

For more information see the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales website http://www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk/FundingProgrammes/Pages/YoungOffendersFundingProgramme.aspx

The Impetus Trust

Reducing Re-Offending Fund has 1.3 million to support 3 6 charities in the criminal justice sector. The fund is collaboration between Impetus Trust, Indigo Trust, Esm Fairbairn Foundation, and the Henry Smith Charity. The funding will be over 3 4 years and aims to make a significant impact on the high level of re-offending in the UK.

Successful organisations will receive a combined package of unrestricted funding and tailored capacity-building support from the Impetus Investment Team and network of consultants and advisers.

The deadline for applications is 15 September 2009.

For more information please visit: http://www.impetus.org.uk/reducing-reoffending-fund.html

Robberies by young people rise by 75pc

A teenage crime wave is sweeping Britain with the number of young muggers increasing by more than three quarters in the last decade.

The rise, which is the equivalent of 11 youngsters convicted everyday, comes as figures next week will suggest that robberies and burglaries are increasing across rural areas, adding to concerns that the recession is fuelling crime

In Cambridgeshire robberies rose by a third while in North Wales burglaries were up by almost a quarter.

Knife crime, and fraud and forgery offences are also rising, the Home Office annual crime statistics will show.

A total of 4,115, 10 to 17 year olds were convicted of robbery in 2007, the most recent data available. This was a 76 percent rise on the 2,342 found guilty in 1997, when Labour took power.

Those convicted of sex offences also increased by 16 percent, form 469 in 1997 to a total of 543 a decade later. In separate figures, of 26 police forces that replied to Freedom of Information requests, robberies by all age groups fell by six percent but that was due to a drop of 12 percent in the Metropolitan Police area.

If those figures are removed, total robberies increased. Chris Grayling, the shadow Home Secretary, said the figures on teenage crime were “a consequence of the Government’s failure to get to grips with anti-social behaviour”.

“We let young troublemakers get away unpunished with anti-social behaviour and so many think they can get away with it and move on to something worse,” he added.

A ministry of Justice spokesman said: “These figures show an increase in the number of young people convicted for robbery which reflects the Government’s tough response to crime. Between 2006 -07 and 2007-08, recorded personal robbery fell by 16 percent.

“There is no room for complacency and we have much more to do.”

By Tom Whitehead, Heidi
Blake and Jeni Oppenheimer

Prison riot investigation to take up to 18 months

A specialist team of officers is carrying out the probe into the disturbance at Ashwell Prison, near Oakham, on April 10.

Violence erupted at the category C prison during the Easter weekend. When parte of the building were set alight and torn apart by angry inmates.

Officers have interviewed more than 500 people – including 334 inmates – and six people have been arrested. The police team is also sifting through hundreds of hours of CCTV footage. Nobody has been charged yet in connection with the incident.

Results from forensic tests are still being processed and all members of staff who were working on the night have given statements.

Leicestershire police said they wanted to reassure the public that the investigation was still underway, three months after the riot.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Worth, who is leading the inquiry, said it was a “long and complex” process that would take between 12 and 18 months to complete.

He said: “We want residents in Rutland and the people of Leicestershire to know that we are still investigating this.

“This is phased inquiry. Part of that has been to conduct preliminary interviews and we are nearly at the end of that. We have also started the second phase of taking statements.

“Then we will be consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service and the Prison Service to see who, if any one should be charged.

“It is difficult to say when that might be as there is still a lot of work to be done but I can assure people that we are doing everything we can to identify those responsible for offences and bring the ringleaders to justice.” The riot led to the closure of four wings. A total of 423 prisoners were transferred to other sites. Some 190 inmates are still in the three unaffected wings.

The incident sparked criticism from the Prison Officers’ Association which called for a public inquiry and claimed some inmates has been wrongly downgraded from category B to category C in a bid to alleviate overcrowding and staffing reductions had not played a part in the disorder.

Det Ch Insp Worth said there were currently around 70 “potential” suspects who might be arrest and formally interviewed.

He said: “Officers have spoken to three-quarters of the inmates who were at Ashwell on the night of the disturbance and, once the remaining prisoners have been spoken to, we will have a clearer pictures as to what happened on the night.

“The team working on this investigation were all seconded from specialist departments because we didn’t want to take frontline officers off the streets.”

Anyone who has issues for the investigation team can cal PC Angela Holdsworth or Det Con Clive Jones at Leicestershire Police on 0116 222 2222, extension  5675.

By Gemma Peplow
Leicester Mercury, 8 July 09

1,000 criminals at large after breaching parole

Nearly 1,000 criminals, including murderers, rapist and paedophiles, are on the run after disappearing while released on licence.

The 954 offenders include 19 murderers, 15 rapists, five paedophiles and 51 people convicted of GBH.

Some are still free 25 years after they should have gone back to jail.

Nineteen criminals who were freed in 1984 but later breached the terms of their release have still not been taken back into custody, Ministry of Justice figures show.

The government, the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) and the Met Police all refused to explain how the fugitives could have escaped justice for a quarter of a century.

Some 140 burglars, 98 fraudsters and 182 drug offenders are also still at large. Acpo has told all police forces to urgently arrest sexual and violent offenders.

‘Labour’s reckless early release scheme and lax approach to probation is putting the public at greater risk’, said shadow justice secretary Dominic Grieve.

Many of the missing criminals posed a ‘real threat’ and police must make ‘chasing warrants’ a priority, said Harry Fletcher of probation officers’ union Napo. Last month, it emerged Dano Sonnex, who has jailed for the murderers of two French students in south-east London, should have been in jail at the time of the killings.

The Ministry of Justice insisted the public were not a ‘higher risk’.

“The recall system works well. Of those recalled between 1999 and June 2008, just 0.7 percent of offenders have not been apprehended,’ said justice secretary Jack Straw

Source: Metro, 7 July 2009

Inside ‘n’ Out Magazine- 2nd Edition

Editorial First Word
Welcome to the second issue of the INO Magazine. We have exciting plans for the future and will keep you updated in future issues of the INO Mag.

If you haven’t heard of us yet we are a magazine set up to enhance positive communications. It showcases how individuals are achieving re-entry to community life.

The magazine covers current issues of debate within the Criminal Justice System and offers its readers link to, and information about, other charities, public services and organisations that ex-offenders may find useful.

The INO Mag is an independent platform for those on both sides of the prison wall to share experiences, with the aim to provide a better understanding between parties. The project also provides ex-offenders with volunteering opportunities, as a first step towards the rehabilitative pathway of gaining employment. We have worked with several ex-offenders looking to get their lives back on track and continue to support them in this difficult task.

If you are interested in sharing your story, informing young people currently entering the system or just expressing your ideas for our/future, please contact us at the back of the magazine.

We look forward to your experiences.

Resettlement and Rehabilitation
Taken from a NOMS presentation

To reduce the likelihood of re-offending and cut crime, (ex) offenders need to…
•    Have equitable access to suitable and sustainable accommodation and housing support.
•    Have a Job or access to the skills which are most likely to lead to suitable and sustainable employment.
•    Have timely access to benefits (e.g. Housing, Job Seekers Allowance) finance products (e.g. bank account, insurance), and be able to manage and stay out of debt.
•    Be free from problematic drug and or alcohol addiction.
•    Have equitable access to health and social care services in particular around Mental Health
•    Be able to manage and maintain healthy relationships with their children and families
•    Be able to think through how to deal with difficult situations and develop positive attitudes and behaviour in order to get along with people and prevent cycles of re-offending.
•    Recognise the harm done to victims and communities which requires organisations and service providers to breakdown local barriers to social and economic inclusion
•    This magazine aspires to educate what is available to (ex) offenders so they can make an informed choice whether or not to reoffend.
•    All proactive ideas and opinions are welcome. Write to the address at the back of this publication.

Con Air
John talks about Prison Radio and the PRA.

In January this year the newspapers were full of stories about ‘con air’ the prison services plan to introduce a radio station across 140 prison. They stated the £2m would come from existing resources and the possibility of a charity becoming involved in the project’s delivery.
As usual the mainstream media reaction was fuelled by misunderstanding and cheap shot headlines around lazy lags spoon fed Chris Moyles 24/7. It’s not actually about that at all and justice system will know the truth. The opposition spokesman talked of the government using this as a way of not dealing with the real issues which is true but what an opportunity to talk up his own former Tory colleagues Johathan Aitken, whose own report released recently, is authored by someone who actually knows what  its like inside!

The reason prisoners are locked away for such long periods of each day is either a lack of genuine jobs to do in prison, lack of education resources or lack of staff to facilitate these things. This all leads to prisoners being in their cells for longer periods so why not take the opportunities to try and reach them with positive content around rehabilitation, victim awareness and opportunities to get involved in project like Ino Mag when they get released.

As the founder of Ino Mag I would welcome the opportunity to create content that was broadcast inside prison but more importantly take ex-offenders who had worked on these projects and offer them the opportunity to choose it as a career option when back in their communities.

Communities across the world use radio as the main form of community news gathering but in this country we seem addicted to television news and the local newspaper industry appears to be in full retreat due to the economic climate. Perhaps prison radio is a way of changing perceptions, providing news and also to provide a genuine community based opportunity to leave the cycle of criminal justice system.

What is the Prison Radio Association (PRA)?
The PRA is an award winning education charity that provides support, guidance and expertise to existing prison radio stations and advises prisons interested in setting up radio station and radio training facilities.

The PRA was established in response to a growing demand from prisons to engage in prison radio.

The PRA is working on the development of a National Prison Radio Service, with the potential to reach every prisoner in England and Wales.

“I have chosen to lend my support to the PRA because I believe this is innovative broadcasting to a quite literally captive audience… the potential in all sorts of ways in enormous.”
John Snow

Barnardo’s Launches YOP
Kate Davis – Holmes from Barnardo’s explains what YOP stands for.

Barnardo’s have launched a Young Offenders Programme (YOP) aimed at people aged 16 to 25. Participants are offered retain training in flexible placement in a Barnardo’s shop. Barnardo’s would like to see the YOP providing a stepping stone into employment and resettlement.

Participants will also have the opportunity to work towards a Youth Achievement Award by putting together evidence of four 15 hour challenges. The first challenge, which can be completed in the prison environment, usually looks at job search issues. The next three challenges can be tailored, to an extent, to the needs and aspirations of the individual.

Carolyn Marnoch, a Barnardo’s shop manager, comments: “The programme has been a very positive experience for me, for the YOP volunteer and for my other volunteers. The YOP volunteer has gained confidence, skills and experience; I have gained a dedicated and hard-working volunteer. There are some very bright and talented young people in the prison system who deserve a second chance and I feel privileged to have worked with them.”

The Head of Reducing Reoffending at HMYOI Thorn Cross says: “Valuable schemes such as Barnardo’s YOP enable us to engage with the community and reintegrate individuals into a society from which many are excluded by their antisocial behaviour. Through partnership working, the programme helps to improve self-esteem and frequently serves as a fresh impetus and hope to those who will be released back into the community.”

Barnardo’s believe in the potential of every child and young person no matter what they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Barnardo’s will support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in them.

If you are interested, please contact Kate Davis-Holmes at kate.davisholmes@barnardos.org.uk or Tanners Lane, Bakingside, Ilford Essex, IG6 1QG. Her mobile number is 07990805613.

UNLOCK
The National Association of Reformed Offenders

Who are UNLOCK?
•    UNLOCK was established as a charity in 2000.
•    UNLOCK was set up by and is led by reformed offenders.
•    UNLOCK has over 4,000 members and 5 employees
•    UNLOCK is independent.
•    UNLOCK does not take government funding to deliver contracted services.
•    UNLOCK aims to achieve equality for reformed offenders and a society in which reformed offenders are able to fulfil their positive potential through equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities

What does UNLOCK do?
•    UNLOCK receives thousands of letters, phone calls and emails. In response we:
•    Offer direct information, support and referrals to expert organisations.
•    Develop and deliver innovative projects to demonstrate how problems can be solved.
•    Run campaigns that seek to change discriminatory laws, policies, practices and attitudes.
•    Act as channel for the voices of reformed offenders to influence policies, practices and attitudes.

What are UNLOCK’s current objectives?
•    Improved access to bank accounts, insurance and financial capability training.
•    Implementation of anti-discrimination laws to support equality for reformed offenders.
•    Enabling of prisoners to vote in line with the European Court of Human Rights judgement.
•    Establishment of a community-based alternative to prison focused on training and employment.
•    A trusted, flexible and high quality information service
•    More positive public opinion of reformed offenders
•    Development of a strong community of reformed offenders committed to equality.

What has UNLOCK achieved so far?
•    Provided thousands of reformed offenders and family members with information and support.
•    Developed a service offering access to insurance to people with convictions and their families.
•    Highlighted prisoners’ need to open bank accounts and convinced Halifax to run a pilot project.
•    Set up bank account opening projects in 5 prisons, in partnership with Halifax and Barclays.
•    Developed financial capability training specifically for former offenders called ‘UFC’.
•    Trained 130 staff and peer supporters in 33 prisons and 8 community-based charities to deliver UFC.
•    UNLOCK has contributed to many TV and radio programmes, as well as stories in the printed media include the BBC, Sky, Channel 5, The Times, The Guardian and the Independent.
•    Established the UNLOCK Forum, an internet-based community solely for people with previous conviction share experiences, highlight issues, ask questions, support each other and work towards equality.

If you have any experiences of UNLOCK we would be interested in sharing them with you.

Useful Addresses

Apex Trust HQ
7th Floor, No.3, London Wall Buildings, London Wall, London. EC2M 5PD.
020 7638 5931
Job-check@apextrust.com

Leicester Branch
Apex House 74-76 Charles St, Leicester, LE1 1FB
Tel: 0116 261 6510

Clinks
25 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JH
www.clinks.org

Futures Unlocked
9 Newarke Street, Leicester. LE1 5SN
0116 255 3742
admin@futuresunlocked.org

Gay Rights in Prison
48 Princess Terrace
Brigton BN2 5JS

Koestler Arts Centre
168 a Du Cane Rd, London. W12 OTX
020 87400333
info@koestlertrust.org.uk

Leicestershire Cares
42 Tower St, Leicester LE1 6WT
0116 275 6490
info@leicestershirecares.co.uk

Nacro
Park Place, 10-12 Lawn Lane, London
SW8 1U. 020 78407200
www.nacro.org.uk

Prison Reform Trust
15 Northburgh St, London , EC1V 0JR
020 72515070
www.prisonreformturst.org.uk

Shannon Turst (Toe by Toe)
38 Edbury St, London,  SW1W 0LU
020 7730 4917
enquiries@shannontrust.org.uk

Smart Justice
Same contact details as the Prison Reform Trust

Prisons Education Trust
Wandle House, Riverside Drive, Mitcham,
Surrey CR4 4BU
020 8648 7760
info@prisonseducation.org.uk

UNLOCK
35 a High Street, Snodland. Kent ME6 5AG
01634 247 350
enquiries@UNLOCK.org.uk

Youth Justice Board
11 Carteret St, London SW1H 9DL
020 727 13033
enquiries@yjb.gov.uk

Our Contact Details
Inside ‘n’ Out Magazine
Community Media Hub
Learning & Information Library
Bishop Street
Leicester LE1 6AA
Tel: 0116 299 5413

Editors- John Coster and Mark Clark
Email – editor@inomag.org
Web – www.inomag.org

Reparation?

What is Reparation?
Reparations designed to help the young person to put right the harm their offence has caused, either to the victim or to the community.

There are many ways they can do this, including:

• Making an apology to the victim of crime, either by letter, by video or in person
• Doing something for the victim, for example, repairing any damage that has been done
• Doing some unpaid work to help or benefit the community

Reparations defined as a set numbers of hours which are carried out voluntarily by the young person.

Reparation can either be Direct (to the victim) or Indirect (to the community).

Reparation can be classified into 5 main groups:

1. Sport: e.g. helping to coach different sports to children
2. Community work: e.g. helping out at a youth club, playclub, community centre
3. Outdoor Work: e.g. carrying out gardening for a local environmental group
4. Art/Music Related Work: e.g. designing a poster to deter other young people from offending
5. Trade: e.g. carrying out work in the trade industry such as building and maintenance, painting and decorating, carpentry.

How is it decided what Reparation the young person does?
Reparation should be a positive experience for all involved. Therefore, negative, purely punitive activities should be avoided.

Reparation should be relevant to the young person’s offence to help them to understand how they are repairing the harm they have caused.

The victim’s views on the activities the young person can do for Reparation must be taken into account and acted on where appropriate.

Reparation should be based on the young person’s strengths or interests (including employment aspiration).

What are the aims of Reparation?

• To involve and empower the victim, helping them practically and emotionally
• To offer the young person the opportunity to put rights the damage
• To help the young person develop an awareness of the impact of their actions
• To encourage understanding and breaking down of stereotypes
• To help both parties bring the incident to a close, so that they can get on with their lives
• To bring healing and forgiveness to relationships hurt by crime
• To encourage the young person to move on and avoid re-offending
• To help the young person integrate back into their local communities

Who supervises the Reparation Placement?
All activities are supervised either by a member of staff at your placement or a member of staff from the Youth Offending Service. All the supervisors are Police checked and are responsible adults.

How long will it last?
If the young person is on a referral order then their reparation will last between 6-30 hours. This must be completed during the length of the young person’s order

If they have a reparation order from court, then the number of hours will be between 6 -24 hours

For any other orders, their case manager will decide with them.

What if they are ill and can’t make the session?
The case Manager at the youth offending service should be informed straight away, before the time of the appointment. The case manager will in turn call you to inform you and advise you of alternative arrangements.

What do I have to do?
You should:
If you are interested in helping prevent young people from re-offending, then you should contact the reparation team

• The reparation team will then arrange a meeting with you to assess your potential placement and discuss any questions you may have
• A form will need to be completed for you to be added to the Youth Offending Service Reparation list
• A risk assessment will be completed

How will I know that a young person is interested in working at my venue?
A member of the Reparation Team will contact you informing you that a young person is interested in working at your venue

The worker will only disclose relevant information i.e. name, age, level of risk to your users

The worker will arrange a meeting between the worker, the young person their parents/carer and yourself. At this meeting you will be completed and signed, confirming details of times, dates and work that needs completing. A copy wil be given to all parties involved. The nature of the offence will not be disclosed due to confidentiality Regulations

What will I have to do whilst the placement in progress?
We ask the Health and Safety regulations are explained to the young person prior to them starting work

• Treat the young person the same way you would any other member of staff
• Provide any equipment that is required i.e. goggles, hard hats
• Build a rapport with the supervisor and the young person
• Advise the case manager of any concerns, or if the young person fails to attend

For further enquiries Please ask for the Reparation Team
Leicester City Youth Offending Services
Eagle House 11 Friar Lane, Leicester LE1 5RB
Tel: 0116 299 5830

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