Abstract
Young people and miscarriages of justice
Not the End of the Road – a short film for young people with criminal convictions – has been made by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), the organization responsible for independently investigating miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The three-minute film has been created in response to the CCRC receiving far fewer applications from people under the age of 18 proportionate to the age profile of people in custody. Over the last five years, only 0.4% of applications have come from people aged 18 and under. An even lower proportion from under 18s are received from black, Asian and minority ethnic populations who make up around 45% of under 18s in custody. The video hopes to reflect the facts on the ground and reach vulnerable young people with convictions who may need to know who CCRC are and what they do so that they can make a properly informed decision about whether they need more information about the CCRC. The CCRC recognizes that people in custody will not be able to view the film, but it is hoped that the YouTube video will be shared and viewed as widely as possible so that young people with convictions, and their friends and families, are aware that the CCRC exists to look again at wrongful convictions and know where to do to get more information if they need it. The video can be accessed at: http://www.ccrc.gov.uk/home/not-the-end-of-the-road-a-short-film-by-the-ccrc/
In-cell activities for older prisoners
RECOOP (Resettlement and care for older ex-offenders and prisoners) has been working with older prisoners and ex-offenders for over ten years and recognizes the importance of keeping active, not only physically, but mentally. Prisoners can be confined to their cell for long periods of time and, with this in mind, an In-cell Activity Pack has been developed, called ‘food for thought’. The cost of receiving an electronic copy each month is £100 per issue or a fixed price of £1,000 for a year’s subscription. Whilst the In-cell Activity Packs are designed with the over 50s in mind, the reach can be much broader with all inmates gaining benefit from them. For further information please contact RECOOP. Email: