Churches and Christian groups across Britain are being encouraged to hold special services and events to mark Prisons Week from 15-21 November 2009. The theme for the Week this year is 'Hold Fast to Hope'.

No other democratic nation today imprisons people on such a scale or for as long as the US, Martin E. Marty is reminded. Visiting prisoners is a central test of devotion to the Jesus of the gospels. We are also called to a vision of restoration and release.

A new report on youth justice systems across Europe has questioned the UK's punitive approach to children. The Howard League for Penal Reform has today published 'Punishing children', a report that examines and compares different youth justice systems across Europe.

UK-based international development agency Christian Aid has announced the appointment of Anne Owers, currently Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, as their new chairperson, taking up the role later this year.

A new charity is being launched in London tomorrow to pioneer an award-winning community response to sex offending, in the UK. Circles UK aims to support the development and effectiveness of Circles of Support and Accountability.

For the third year running Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, a former human rights campaigner, has hit the headlines with a hard-hitting report on Britain's dire prison situation, calling for action not political posturing.

A new scheme to deal with first time young offenders who have committed a minor offence will be piloted early next year. The scheme aims to stop them going to court unnecessarily, while at the same time ensuring that they make amends for their offence via an apology to the victim.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has told a newspaper he thinks the British government should raise the age of criminal responsibility, acknowledging that very young people involved in crime still need to be recognised as children.

UK churches are gearing up to mark 'prisons week' as the prison population hits a record high. The week kicks off on 18 November 2007, when churches across Britain are being asked to mark Prisoners' Sunday - a day of reflection and prayer.