Friday 13 May 2011

Some Observations 4

I've been meaning to say something about the Channel 4 series 'Secret Millionaire' for some time and the most recent episode set inside HMYOI Brinsford seems as good an excuse as any. Sadly though I thought it was one of the most uninspiring to date, even though it was highlighting the appalling levels of illiteracy amongst inmates. Nevertheless the work of the Shannon Trust is extremely important and I notice that it's Founder only died recently.

I admire the concept of introducing very wealthy people to extreme examples of how the 'other half' live and over recent years the programme has provided some really uplifting viewing in terms of highlighting work done by some inspirational volunteers all over the country. It must be coming to the end of its 'shelf life' though as there can't be that many people who are not aware of the programme and would rumble things as soon as camera's appear. I guess that's why the producers are trying some different angles, especially in placing participants in situations even further outside their comfort zone than normal. I notice that the Guardian was particularly scathing about the episode set in Middlesbrough involving deaths from epilepsy and the degree of 'manipulation'. Of course it has to be 'set up' but on balance, I think it's worth doing and succeeds in not being at all cheesy. 

The BBC Radio 4 'Today' programme has recently run two reports from inside Broadmoor Special Hospital in an attempt to show that such places are not that scary and that real therapeutic work goes on in helping patients recover. Broadmoor and Rampton are very unusual places indeed. They still both look like Victorian Gaols that were placed deliberately in isolated locations and as a consequence have struggled to overcome the problems stemming from a workforce that mostly live in the small local community, many of whom are inter-related and often second or third generation.

They may be hospitals, but the majority of staff are prison officers that just happen to be in 'mufti'. The other Special Hospital, Ashmore in Liverpool, has always had a different feel. I have never had any doubt that excellent work goes on at all three establishments, but believe me they can be scary places. Many patients will have a personality disorder in addition to a mental illness and I'm still not sure the former can be 'treated'. As with prison, some residents kill. Others are routinely violent. Many self-harm. Some will never come out, despite us being told the average stay is six years. Release from Special Hospital does not necessarily mean a return to the community. It could well be a return to prison or quite often a Regional Secure Unit. 

In closing I'll mention Louise Casey who was on BBC Radio 4 recently in her latest incarnation as Victim Commisioner. I have no doubt that there is a valuable piece of work to be done here in relation to advocating on behalf of victims and ensuring adequate resources are provided. However, I feel I have to make the point that in my experience many offenders have been victims themselves. The sad fact is that in reality victims and offenders can often be one and the same. It's this sort of revelation that only becomes apparent through so-called restorative justice when victim and offender meet each other as part of a voluntary and carefully managed process. But more of that another day.  
          

1 comment:

  1. Jim,

    I await with interest panel for nxt wk 'Question Time ' from W/Scrubs.. recalling the off hand comments made by J Reid( now of G4S in/famy!)about Probation before 'invited audience' at the same prison..

    Following the rather tepid showing before the JSC of the preferred candidate for Inspectorial role & the passionless offerings of assorted Chief Officers .. the committee are opening a forum for practitioners nxt wk until the 21 st June-

    Regards
    Mike

    http://forums.parliament.uk/probation-service

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