Young women in secure unit kept 100 miles from home

A report on an unannounced inspection of the Mary Carpenter unit, a 16-bed unit for 17-year-olds at Eastwood Park YOI near Bristol, found there was a positive and supportive environment for those staying there.

But reintegration into society was found to be made more difficult by the fact that all the young women were more than 100 miles from home.

Inspectors said this was a consequence of the decision to close the young women’s unit at Cookham Wood in Kent, which now holds young men.

Chief inspector of prisons Anne Owers said the effect of the "re-role" of Cookham Wood did not appear to have been considered.

"The long-term outcomes for the young women there will inevitably be affected by the fact that they are all over 100 miles away from the families, youth offending teams and communities to which they will return," she said.

Inspectors found that apart from the issue over distance, there were very good relationships between staff and young women, the unit was safe and good quality purposeful activities were offered.

Phil Wheatley, director general of the National Offender Management Service, said: "This is a positive report of which the staff and governor should be proud. It rightly recognises the good work taking place at the Mary Carpenter Unit in Eastwood Park to maintain a safe, positive and supportive environment for the vulnerable young women it holds."

The Youth Justice Board previously had a target of placing 90 per cent of juveniles within 50 miles of their home.