December 3, 2012
BBC News: Chris Page – Newsline
Prisoner Ombudsman: Shortfalls in Frances McKeown’s care
Another preventable suicide, this time in Ireland, highlights the failure to provide effective mental health services to women. The case is frightening for its similarity to the Ashley Smith tragedy. Ombudsman Pauline McCabe reports that “she (Frances McKeown) had suffered severe mental health problems for a number of years and had told prison staff and health workers she intended to kill herself…but that Ms McKeown did not see a psychiatrist until more than six months after she went into the prison.” Further, alleges Ms McCabe, the prison authorities’ investigation into Frances McKeown’s claims were “wholly inadequate”. The incident seems to have brought a considerably different outcome than our Smith case. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20517008 ( See video as well the excerpts from letter, journal and suicide note).
Related stories: Hydebank governor Gary Alcock charged with misconduct –http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19100552 Also Hydebank governor Gary Alcock is suspended – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18065511 Hydebank cell deaths: three investigations to be held – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13290148
Telegraph (UK) – David Barrett
‘Why I must speak out to stop my rapist being freed’
Here’s a UK story with all sorts of elements – violence against a woman, restorative justice outreach, victims rights, and the parole board. A woman who was raped by a stranger at knifepoint has warned that victims are being sidelined by the parole process… http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9716234/Why-I-must-speak-out-to-stop-my-rapist-being-freed.html
Blogger Ben Ziegler in Victoria, BC
11 Ways to Commit to Restorative Justice Practices
Collaborative Journeys is Ben Ziegler’s blog. Ben is a collaboration consultant and conflict management specialist based in Victoria, on Canada’s west coast. He offers eleven ways to engage in the practice of RJ, with links for follow-up on his suggestions. http://www.collaborativejourneys.com/11-ways-to-commit-to-restorative-justice-practices
Seacoastonline (North Carolina) – David Crary – Associated Press
Federal prisons urged to grant more early releases
Human Rights Watch and Families Against Mandatory Minimums have some harsh words for the US Bureau of Prisons, branding the treatment of incapacitated and terminally ill prisoners as “cruel as well as senseless,” http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121130/NEWS/121139998/-1/NEWSMAP
Vancouver Sun – Tobi Cohan (Postmedia News)
Corrections trumpets mental health success amid criticism
In this item from Nov. 13, 2012, Cohen, and Howard Sapers, the Correctional Investigator, think that rising levels of violence betray the official line. “Despite widespread criticism that Canada’s federal prison system is failing to meet the needs of inmates with mental health issues and that offenders are coming out more hardened than ever due to a lack of programming behind bars, the Correctional Service of Canada is painting a far different picture…” http://www.canada.com/Corrections+trumpets+mental+health+success+amid+criticism/7542922/story.html#ixzz2DvRPF58W
Globe and Mail – Jim Bronskill (Canadian Press)
Allow youth gang members into witness protection, RCMP says
Youth gang members – not just mobsters, bikers and other traditional protectees – should be allowed into the federal witness protection program as part of a sweeping modernization, the RCMP says… http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/allow-youth-gang-members-into-witness-protection-rcmp-says/article5899425