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."
Owers said she wanted a complete overhaul because there was still noevidence that children's welfare was taken into account when makingdetention decisions.
And although a social worker had been appointed at Yarl's Wood, Owerssaid her role was unclear and there were no systems to ensure sheinformed decisions. It is understood this social worker subsequentlyresigned.
Home Office minister Liam Byrne said the Government was "firmlycommitted" to ensuring children's protection.
- www.homeoffice.gov.uk.
