New unit opens at Staffordshire women's prison
A new unit at a women's prison in Eccleshall has been opened by Justice Minister Simon Hughes.
The new facility at HMP Drake Hall can house up to 25 offenders in open conditions.
It prepares them for release and also ensures links to their children are maintained during their sentence.
The new unit features a facility that allows children of prisoners to stay overnight with their mothers for a meaningful visit.
Mr Hughes said: "The new unit at Drake Hall represents a stepping stone back into the community for these women, giving them the chance to take responsibility and prepare to turn their lives around on release.
"For mothers, the overnight facility will also offer the chance to strengthen relations with their children, which can be one of the most powerful possible motivations to turn away from crime for good.
"This development is part of our wide-ranging reforms to drive down the number of women who reoffend."
During the Second World War, Drake Hall was used to provide accommodation for female munitions workers.
It became a male open prison in the 1960s but has been female since 1974.
It currently houses around 315 women.
