A review of complaints made by young people in custody since April 2011 found a high proportion of complaints about the adjudication process, the disciplinary processes for alleged offences in custody.
The ombudsman, Nigel Newcomen, said adjudications, which are presided over by district judges - so-called "independent adjudicators" - and can result in sanctions such as additional days in custody being added to existing sentences, are essentially designed for adult prisoners and can be confusing and intimidating for young people.
"Most of the concerns we identify in complaints about adjudications from young people are the same as those in complaints from adults," a learning lessons bulletin issued by the PPO said.
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