Ban on YOIs for girls must spark wider system reform, say experts

The government's decision to accept the recommendation of a review to ban the use of young offender institutions (YOI) for girls with immediate effect has been widely welcomed by youth justice campaigners.

However, they say the long-called-for measure, rather than being seen as a quick fix for improving outcomes for detained girls, should be a starting point for wider reforms to how the justice system responds to female young offenders.

The ban was among recommendations made in an independent review by Youth Justice Board (YJB) member Susannah Hancock into the health issues facing girls in custody, especially threats to their mental health.

“The review found that despite tireless efforts of staff involved in their care, YOIs cannot offer the therapeutic, trauma-informed support these girls need,” stated the government in its response to the review.