Lessons on custody from abroad

By Neil Puffett Thursday, 03 September 2009

A report on reducing the number of children in custody has highlighted some overseas best practice.

Young woman in custody. Credit: Alex Deverill

Policy makers need to look abroad in a bid to reduce numbers of children in custody, a report claims. Prompted by the relatively high custody levels in the youth secure estate over here, the Prison Reform Trust report, Reducing Child Imprisonment in England and Wales - Lessons From Abroad, states that change can be achieved if the political will exists.

Examining systems in Europe and North America, it highlights how different countries and regions have sought to bring down numbers of children in custody and addressed the various obstacles involved.

Enver Solomon, one of the report authors, told CYP Now the general consensus is that custody levels are too high and imprisonment does not work.

He said it is time policy makers consider various initiatives and legislative drives that have been successful elsewhere in the world in order to address the issue.

For example, in Canada the rate of youth admissions to secure custody fell by a third between 2003/04 and 2007/08.

Elsewhere, the number of children in custody in New York State dropped from 3,179 at the end of 2000 to 2,318 at the end of 2006, a 27 per cent reduction.

There are currently 2,666 under-18s in custody in England and Wales.

The report looks at two main ways of how to reduce custody levels - the incremental approach of introducing various programmes and initiatives, as well as the legislative approach, which focuses on an overarching political drive.

POLICY FROM ABROAD

Missouri, US Wide-ranging reforms implemented over many years. Youth justice leaders worked hard with politicians from both main parties to change the system.

New York State Shift in policy from custody to community alternatives. The mayor appointed more progressive judges to sit in the family court. More work with families encouraged.

Canada & New York State Leaders of courts, police, prosecution, youth offending services and schools acknowledged problems of the current system and created consensus for reform.

Canada Worked to sustain political support for reducing custody levels by ensuring the public and media did not become hostile.

Germany and New Zealand Police played an important role in diversion.