Given that the majority of women in prison are serving sentences as a result of non-violent crimes, there is a need to reconsider whether many of them should be separated from their children in the first place (Women should get time out of jail to see their children, Daily Telegraph 14.02.2012).  Women are over-represented in the cohort of prisoners serving short prison sentences – at huge expense to the taxpayer.  Not only are such sentences ineffective, but they also plunge families into deeper crisis.  Tough and effective community sentences, don’t punish innocent children but can ensure mothers address their behaviour and get their lives back on track.  Such sentences also come at much less cost to the taxpayer.

Roma Hooper