Speaking to directors of children’s services at the Association of Directors of Children’s Services conference in Manchester, Youth Justice Board chief executive John Drew said that as future budget holders, there is a need to formally recognise local authorities as a “customer” of the secure estate.
Drew said that while the YJB will retain commissioning responsibility, he wants local authorities to “push us hard on standards”, and help create “a long-term vision” on custody.
“You have overarching responsibility for children’s wellbeing,” Drew said.
“The decisions we make now will shape the secure estate for the next five, six, or seven years.”
Under the Legal Aid and Sentencing of Offenders Bill, authorities will become responsible for the cost of children remanded to custody from April next year.
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