YES - Geoff Monaghan, chair, National Association for Youth Justice
Locking young people in prison is bad and, too often, ugly. It does not reduce offending. Instead, children are harmed, human rights are contravened, and a great deal of expense is incurred.
Young people should be detained rarely in secure children's facilities, only as a last resort for the shortest appropriate period.
Legislation to end penal custodial remands was never implemented because of a growing punitive mood influenced by the murder of Jamie Bulger. We started to lock up incredible numbers of children, younger, longer and for less serious matters. Current targets to reduce numbers are, to say the least, modest.
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
