It follows a damning report on Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre,the UK's main centre for detaining asylum-seeking children. For thefirst time, inspectors interviewed children to find out how detentionaffected them.
The majority stated they felt scared on arrival. "It is like aprison.
I was shocked and nervous," said a 13-year-old. "The officers arescary," said a 10-year-old.
Owers said the children's views were a "powerful reminder" of howfrightening detention was. The report includes disturbing descriptionsof being taken into detention. One 13-year-old told how immigrationofficials entered the house with "big padded jackets and handcuffs, likepolice stuff. Not very kind or helpful ... My hands were cuffed infront."
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
