TREATMENT OF WOMEN OFFENDERS

Motion Text

That this House believes that custodial sentences for women offenders with dependent children should be used only when essential for public safety; believes that redundant open prison areas should be converted to hostels for women offenders and children; calls on the Government to establish a new category for those women offenders with babies who are not a risk to public safety; and further believes that women offenders who have been sentenced to custody should be allowed a period of two weeks prior to beginning their sentences in order for them to make arrangements for their dependent children.