by Jo Sword

An independent report looking at Rochester Young Offenders Institution has raised concerns about standards.

The Independent Monitoring Board's (IMB) annual report for 2008-09 highlighted the following issues:

• For the third year in a row the inmate turnover - "the rate of churn" - is too high with the average stay being just 19 weeks. The report argues this "adversely impacts on the institutions ability to address offending behaviour".
• Although the point was raised last year, some of the showers remain in a "very poor, unhygenic condition". The state of the windows is also criticised.
• While the management is praised for efforts to increase activities available to inmates, there are still not enough available to occupy prisoners sufficiently. According to the report "more needs to be done, and urgently, if prisoners are not to spend more time locked in their cells".
• Hours of education have been reduced and the institution has failed over the last year to provide the expected education level.
• "Gang culture" remains after concerns were expressed last year, but staff have made progress to reduce the problem.

However, the efforts to avoid a 'two tier' prison between the old site and the new Temporary Custodial Facility have received praise.

The quality of the catering is also applauded, although the IMB is worried about the potential impact of a reduction in the catering budget that comes into effect this year.

James Williamson, chair of the IMB, said Rochester Young Offenders Institution is one of the best performing in the country.

But he added: "Recently imposed significant budgetary cuts will provide a considerable challenge in the year ahead."

~ More news from Medway >>>

For the full story pick up a copy of Monday's Medway Messenger.