Sex Offender Treatment Programme

(asked on 23rd January 2018) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when the Parole Board stopped taking into account completion of the sex offender treatment programme in assessing the suitability of prisoners for release.


Answered by
 Portrait
Rory Stewart
This question was answered on 29th January 2018

The Parole Board has not stopped taking into account completion of the sex offender treatment programme in assessing the suitability of prisoners for release. The Board may only direct release of a prisoner if it is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the prisoner should remain detained.

When making its decision, the Parole Board will consider all evidence presented to it. Attendance on offending behaviour courses - including sex offender treatment programmes - is just one of the factors Parole Board panels consider.

Some of the evidence considered by the panel includes, but is not limited to, details of offences, previous convictions, sentencing remarks, assessment of an experienced probation officer, the offenders’ own comments; as well as reports from psychiatrists, psychologists, security experts, prison staff, substance misuse workers, and staff on behaviour management programmes. The offender also has an opportunity to make a statement, as do victims. Before release is directed, the Parole Board will also satisfy itself that a comprehensive resettlement plan is in place.

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