But, as Ruth Smith finds out, the Government does not seem ready tolisten.
"The officers are tall and scary - their shoes are big and noisy."
This is what one 10-year-old thinks about detention at Yarl's WoodImmigration Removal Centre. The comments are in last week's damningreport into conditions at Yarl's Wood Immigration Centre by chiefinspector of prisons Anne Owers (Children Now, 26 July-1 August). Forthe first time, inspectors interviewed children to find out howdetention affects them. What emerges is a picture of trauma andfear.
One 13-year-old talks about crying as she was handcuffed. She describesimmigration officers who arrived at her house as "not very kind orhelpful - like they are gonna eat us". Another 13-year-old says: "Littlekids (are) crying too much. It all comes back what happened to you."Other young people talk about being detained just before their GCSE andA-level exams.
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
Already have an account? Sign in here
