DG of HM Prison Service on the closure of Inner Change at Dartmoor
From the Daily Telegraph, July 12
Sir – The InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI) programme at HMP Dartmoor did not fail to gain approval only because of matters of diversity (Comment, July Eighth).
The decision to end the programme was made by the Prison Service area manager, following its failure to meet the criteria in Prison Service Order (PSO) 4350 (Effective Regime Interventions). Any programme that seeks primarily to change attitudes and behaviour in prisoners is required to meet the quality-assurance standards set out in the PSO. These are based on the What Works principles established through research on effectiveness. A number of other Christian programmes have already been approved through the PSO.
The figures quoted on reoffending rates have been shown by a number of academics to be inaccurate. There is some evidence that those who attend an IFI programme and do not complete it are slightly more likely to reoffend than those who have never been on one.
The article alleges that chaplains are being asked to sign a multi-faith declaration and provides a lengthy quote attributed to the Chaplain General. No chaplain has been asked to sign such a document. The document quoted was drawn up by one chaplaincy team to reflect their shared understanding and working practices.
Prison Service policy is to provide fair and proper provision for all faith traditions. Prison Service Chaplaincy, led by William Noblett, has made huge strides over the past few years to develop an inclusive and relevant chaplaincy. I welcome faith-based programmes and interventions from all traditions, but they must meet the objective criteria we have developed.
Phil Wheatley, Director General, HM Prison Service, London SW1
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