WOMEN released from jail need better and quicker support to re-integrate them into society according to the latest inspection report.

Issues with providing housing, health and financial support are affecting their chances of succeeding in life after prison and need to be addressed the Chief inspector of Prisons has said.

In a report into Cornton Vale where the jail has been reduced in size with women moved to Polmont the Chief Inspector of Prisons, David Strang, said support during the sentence had improved due to the smaller population.

In the last year more than 200 women have been transferred to Polmont and Cornton Vale reduced in size to two blocks and one separation and integration unit.

The report said for most women, access to healthcare had improved across a range of services, particularly in relation to mental health and addiction services.

There were still concerns over support for the most vulnerable women in custody and also when women are released,.

The report stated: “Successful reintegration after release requires the following key issues to be addressed: availability of suitable accommodation upon release; appropriate support for addictions, mental and physical health issues need to be available at the point of release; and access to appropriate benefits and financial supports at the point of release.

Mr Strang added: “At present it can be several days or weeks after liberation that the issues detailed above are resolved and the appropriate support is in place.

“Such a delay is highly likely to have a negative impact on an individual enjoying a successful reintegration to their community.”

The report said that there was too many women in prison for the numbers intended for the women’s prison estate.

It said the future plans for women’s prisons is to have 80 spaces at Cornton Vale, 50 in Grampian and 100 in five Community Custody Units across the country giving a total of 230 places.

However there were 369 women in custody in the days before the inspection was carried out and in Cornton Vale there was 93 women held there.

Mr Strang said: “Without a significant reduction in the number of women remanded or sentenced, it will be difficult for HMP & YOI Cornton Vale to operate as effectively as possible or desired.”

He added that other authorities need to work to make the difference, adding: “The wider criminal justice system, health and social care providers, the benefits system, local authorities and Third Sector organisations need to work in concert to make this a reality.”