Askham Grange

HMP/YOI Askham Grange is part of the Yorkshire and Humberside Area in the Directorate of Operations. It contributes to the delivery of the Key Objectives of the Prison Service by delivering a national service to women prisoners (residents) and young offenders and offers the opportunity for up to ten mothers to maintain full-time care of their child or children whilst in custody. It is an open prison, which facilitates a comprehensive resettlement regime for long and, increasingly, short-stay residents. Key to the delivery of this regime and of primary focus to Askham Grange is the maintenance of decent and respectful relationships between all who live, work and visit here, and the community benefit of pro-social modelling. Support in achieving positive family relationships and learning is provided in parallel with educational and work skills and personal development.

Address:

Askham Richard

York

YO23 3FT

Tel: 01904 772000

Fax: 01904 772001

Governor: Marian Mahoney

Accommodation: Dormitories (some single rooms, all MBU rooms are single)

Operational capacity: 128 as of 7th October 2008

Reception criteria: Maximum 2 years to PED, 5 years to NPD. All assessed as suitable for open conditions. Not subject to any restrictions under PSO 4400. No positive MDT/VDT in last three months. Must have completed Offence Focused Work. Must demonstrate that they are drug free by agreeing to sign up to Compliance Testing. Minimum of three months to serve. Cell sharing risk assessments must be low. No medical condition that requires 24-hour cover. Women on a detoxification programme should be stabilised for four weeks before coming to Askham Grange and be on a methadone dose no greater than 40mgs Other factors to be considered: Any proved adjudications in last six months. Previous F2052SH/ACCT history, risk to children, Schedule 1 Offenders; regimes for disabled prisoners by prior arrangement, security comments - closed visits etc, arsonists.

Regime: Learning and skills training is promoted within all areas of Askham Grange. An individual learning programme is devised during the Induction process. This programme is integrated into the Resettlement Plan with specific targets to prepare each resident for release into the family and back into the community. Plans are reviewed regularly. Training needs are met in the Education Department and across the varied work areas in the establishment. Individual potential is realised with progression through the resettlement regime and into community work and/or paid work placements that reflect the training and skills gained throughout the sentence as well as those already held.