CYP Now - Charities call for end to child imprisonment in England

Charities have called for the urgent closure of young offender institutions and secure training centres in England, warning that the detainment of children can have “devastating” consequences.

Carolyne Willow: We know how to look after children well, how to keep them safe and guide them to a better life. Picture: Article 39

In a new report, the case for ending child imprisonment, published today (10 December), campaigners said that half of children detained are from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, more than a third have health problems and over half have been in care.

The coalition of charities, including Article 39 and INQUEST among others, have criticised the slow pace of government action in protecting vulnerable children from imprisonment.

Frances Mapstone, interim chief executive at Just for Kids Law, said: “Child prisons are costly and unsafe institutions that sweep vulnerable children into a current of crime from which it is impossible to escape.”

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