A women's prison has won high praise for its work with young offenders despite operating amid a serious staff crisis.

Last year, Bullwood Hall in Hockley was on average 16 per cent short on officers representing between 12 and 15 vacancies, the Board of Visitors' annual report said.

However, according to the board the prison has achieved major successes especially with the increasing number of juveniles which are being accommodated.

A spokesman said: "Despite continual staff shortages throughout the year, Bullwood Hall is successfully looking after an additional younger population.

"It has become a model prison for the care of juveniles on behalf of the Youth Justice Board."

Among developments which have been put into place at the prison over recent months are:

Additional education of the young

Securing awards for health care

A full-time counselling psychologist

Launching a behaviour therapy programme

Specialist drug counselling team and a specific drug rehabilitation unit.

Published Tuesday, January 7, 2003

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