News

Government permanently ends detention of girls in YOIs

The government has permanently barred the use of young offender institutions (YOI) to detain girls sentenced to custody.
Charities have called for girls to be removed from Wetherby YOI. Picture: HMI Prisons
Girls have not been placed in HMYOI Wetherby, the only YOI accepting girls, for several months

The move was among recommendations made in an independent review into the health issues facing girls in custody, especially threats to their mental health.

“The review found that despite tireless efforts of staff involved in their care, YOIs cannot offer the therapeutic, trauma-informed support these girls need,” said the government.  

Instead, girls will “always be placed in settings more suited to their needs” including secure schools and secure children’s homes, it added.

A “concerning level” of self-harm incidents by girls in custody is a particular concern among youth justice professionals who contributed to the review, which has been led by Youth Justice Board member Susannah Hancock.

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

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this

Hertfordshire Youth Workers

“Opportunities in districts teams and countywide”

Administration Apprentice

SE1 7JY, London (Greater)