Written question WQ96443
- Asked by
- Mark IsherwoodConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 11 days
Question
Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm what agreements exist between the Welsh and UK Governments regarding rehousing convicted paedophiles in North Wales?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
All Registered Sex Offenders in North Wales are subject to the Multi-agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) which is UK Government legislation. MAPPA ensures all necessary public bodies co-operate and work together in order to plan a safe resettlement prior to release which prioritises the continued monitoring of the individual by both police and probation to ensure the community is safeguarded.
MAPPA legislation places a legal requirement on each local authority in Wales, (where the individual is subject to MAPPA and due to be released as homeless back to their area), to engage with the MAPPA process to find suitable short and eventually long-term housing.
The placement of Registered Sex Offenders is an emotive topic and is given serious consideration by all statutory services underpinned by concern for the safety of the community and the wider public. As a result, those under MAPPA are subject to a significantly enhanced regime of monitoring and supervision that has proven to be effective over a number of years.
We acknowledge legislation is only one part of the system and other key factors such as guidance, forms of accommodation, education and training are necessary, to ensure the community is effectively safeguarded.