Parc Prison failed to meet latest inspection tests but is working on its problems, according to a report into the privately-run jail in Bridgend. In the last four years, there have been three changes in management at Parc – a fact that the Prison Reform Trust blames for Parc’s failings. Despite the findings, prison inspectors said the jail was in recovery.

The highs and lows of the Welsh criminal justice system, are revealed today by those who work within it. Six key staff – including members of the police, forensic science service and the legal profession – were questioned about their day-to-day lives and the  difficulties they face. Some admitted they struggle to work within the confines of laws which seem to stand in the way of justice, while others said they have to fight public opinion and the media.

A draft new strategy for social services in Wales which will expect more consistent high quality services for those in need and greater links with the community to promote independence and well being has been launched by Health and Social Services Minister Dr Brian Gibbons. Dr Gibbons said the proposals in Fulfilled Lives, Supportive Communities promote social inclusion and the rights of the individual.

The Welsh Assembly Government has promised to deliver “world-class” social services for Wales as it reveals its 10-year plan to drive up standards. It aims to complement the government’s 10-year Designed for Life health plan which was announced last year. The number of people currently using social services has risen by 50% over the past five years to 150,000. The strategy, called Fulfilled Lives, Supportive Communities, aims to help more people remain living in their homes.

A university lecturer has become the first professional to be elected president of the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Sandra Arthur takes over at a time when professional regulation faces increased government scrutiny. She replaces Sir Jonathan Asbridge who was appointed as the first NMC president.

Positive test results for Hepatitis C have been found in patients of a health care worker diagnosed with the disease. More than 2,000 people in Gwynedd were tested after it was revealed a health worker was carrying the infection. The National Public Health Service for Wales and Gwynedd Local Health Board said there was no evidence to link the positive tests with the health worker.

Serious questions were last night being asked about how two dangerous paedophiles were able to escape from one of the country’s most open prisons a week after they were transferred there. John Elms and Martin Aspinall, both serving life sentences for the rape of young girls, escaped from HMP Prescoed on Friday. For almost 48 hours residents in nearby communities lived in fear their children could become the pair’s next victims.

A teenager died after abusing a can of fabric freshener which her family thought she sprayed to hide the smell of cigarettes, a coroner ruled today. The distraught mother of Helen Coffey thought her daughter was using the aerosol to mask the smell of tobacco on her clothes. The 14-year-old was taken to hospital when she was found collapsed and “smelling of furniture polish” by her sister. She died a week later on April 19 last year from brain damage.

The family of a three-year-old girl sexually assaulted by the paedophile Craig Sweeney said last night that they would begin a civil action against South Wales Police “for their failure to protect our child against this known and dangerous molester”. Earlier, Barbara Wilding, the chief constable of South Wales, apologised to the child after criticism of the force by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Researchers say they have created a new training technique which can help hard drinkers ignore alcohol. The computer programme at the University of Wales, Bangor, helps excessive drinkers become less distracted by stimuli such as photos of drinks and alcohol on display in shops. Psychologists said those tested cut down significantly and felt more in control after taking part. It is hoped the programme could eventually be accessed online.