As part of plans announced in January, the government intends to hold under-18s sentenced to custody in secure colleges that focus on education in an attempt to drive down reoffending rates.
Although not included in the proposals, it is understood that in addition to holding 12- to 17-year-old boys, the colleges will also hold young women, of which there are currently around 65 in the youth secure estate, albeit in separate living accommodation.
Giving evidence to the Commons criminal justice and courts bill select committee, Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “A big institution with hundreds of boys and maybe a small number of girls, I think would put children at considerable risk,” she said.
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