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<p>Reducing the number of self-inflicted deaths in prisons is a key priority for the
Government. As is the case in society at large, there is no simple explanation with
complex and individual reasons behind any suicide.</p><p>It is not possible to provide
an accurate estimate of the amount per annum spent on reducing self-inflicted deaths
in custody as there is a diverse range of activities being undertaken by a number
of different organisations which contributes towards this.</p><p>Within NOMS, this
involves a wide range of staff at all levels in establishments to manage prisoners
identified as at risk, ensure that the environment is safe, decent and secure and
to enhance the health and wellbeing of prisoners generally. Other staff work at NOMS
headquarters and regions to learn lessons from deaths in custody and to share good
practice across the estate. Outside NOMS, a wide range of stakeholders advise and
support NOMS, such as the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, Coroners, The National
Suicide Prevention Strategy Advisory Group and the Ministerial Council on Deaths in
Custody.</p><p>The Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) process, which
is a prisoner-centred, flexible care planning system for prisoners identified as at
risk of suicide or self-harm, is a multi-disciplinary process, and each prisoner subject
to it is managed by a team composed of a range of staff drawn from the prison and
other organisations, such as healthcare and education providers. The composition of
the team will vary in each case. Providing an accurate estimate of the costs of ACCT
is therefore not possible.</p>
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