Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the respective responsibilities are of (a) prison governors and (b) prison chaplains in developing effective counselling and support for vulnerable prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) commissions services from a range of providers to support its core aims of protecting the public and reducing reoffending. In addressing offending behaviour the emphasis is on targeted, structured cognitive behavioural therapy programmes which address criminogenic need rather than through the use of counselling as a tool. However, counselling services for vulnerable prisoners can be offered if the need is identified either through assessment or psychological intervention. Any counselling provided in this way would be on an individual, case-by-case basis to meet the specific needs presented.

Safer custody is at the heart of prison management. We are committed to supporting vulnerable prisoners and reducing suicide and self-harm. Prison governors have the overall responsibility for the provision of safe, decent and secure prison environments, in line with NOMS' first Commissioning Intention.

All prisoners are assessed for potential harm to themselves, to others and from others on reception into custody, and residential staff are required to ensure that prisoners are supported and their daily needs are met. They also play a key role in spotting any signs of distress, anxiety or anger which might lead to prisoners harming themselves.

All prisoners who are identified as being at risk of self harm or suicide are subject to the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) process and receive a detailed assessment by a trained ACCT assessor within 24 hours of the ACCT Plan being opened. The results inform the first case review, at which a CAREMAP is devised, setting out the actions that will be taken to reduce the risk posed by the prisoner. This includes considering whether a referral for mental health care or drug/alcohol services is appropriate and making any such referral. The prisoner is then managed using the ACCT process, overseen by a case manager, until the risk has been reduced. The process includes a post-closure phase to ensure that the progress made by the prisoner has been maintained and that there are no risks that require the ACCT to be re-opened.

Chaplaincy teams in prisons play a vital role in providing pastoral care to prisoners, through both one-to-one and group work. Prison Chaplains have a statutory duty to see prisoners at reception, and each day while they are confined in the Segregation or Health Care Units to provide support at these times of particular vulnerability and isolation. Chaplaincy teams work closely with the Safer Custody team to provide support to prisoners at risk of self harm, and to those bereaved or going through particular crisis. A wide range of activities and courses are run by the Chaplaincy including in the areas of loss and bereavement (which can include drawing on the services of professional bereavement Counsellors), and life skills. Many volunteers from local faith communities and organisations provide support for prisoners through chaplaincy teams.