YJB faces High Court challenge over secure home contracts

The YJB announced in April that it will not renew contracts at Kyloe House in Northumberland, Sutton Place in Hull, Orchard Lodge in London and the Atkinson Unit in Exeter.

The move proved controversial with critics claiming SCHs are a vital resource for vulnerable young people who are unsuitable for placement in young offender institutes (YOI) or secure training centres (STC).

Prison campaign group the Howard League is this week putting its case to a High Court judge in an attempt to get the YJB decision reviewed.

Andrew Neilson, assistant director at the Howard League, said a test case is taking place in relation to a 15-year-old boy who currently has a place at Orchard Lodge SCH.

"If Orchard Lodge closes there won't be another SCH in London or the South East so he will go to a YOI or STC," Neilson said.

"Our argument is based around his vulnerability and his need to be in a small unit with a high ratio of staff to children."

The challenge is due to conclude by the end of this week although a judgement is not expected until later this summer.