The assertion comes after the latest figures revealed that the proportion of black and minority ethnic (BME) children in custody is on the rise despite an overall decline in custody numbers.
Between August 2007 and December 2010, the total number of under-18s in custody dropped from 2,991 to 1,918, a reduction of 35.9 per cent.
But the statistics also show that the rate of decrease is far greater among white young people than those from black or ethnic minority communities, while numbers of Asian children in custody has in fact increased (see graph).
High remand rates
Bob Ashford, YJB director of strategy, said attempts are being made to address the slower progress in bringing down custody levels among BME young people. He said a particular problem exists with remand rates, which remain "stubbornly high" despite a fall in the level of those sentenced to custody.
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