The allegation was that she smelled of cannabis, yet no drugs were found on her or in her belongings. This intimate, traumatic and disproportionate search by police took place without a trusted adult present, contrary to agreed policy – and in the knowledge that she was menstruating.
The report, published two years ago by the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership, concluded the strip-search was unjustified and that racism ‘was likely to have been an influencing factor.’
I recall the outrage. A government adviser said the strip search should “horrify us all” but this was not the first review to raise questions about the types of bias a young black person might face.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
