The 10-bed direct-from-court unit at Thorn Cross Young Offender Institution has been shut due to a lack of demand for places. A YJB review carried out in March found it had operated at only 30 per cent of full capacity in its first six months.
The pioneering unit was opened in May 2006 to allow young offenders who were deemed suitable to be trans-ferred to an open prison as soon as they were sentenced. Pre-viously, all offenders had to serve time in a closed establishment before being considered for open accommodation.
Staff at the unit raised concerns about its under-usage earlier this year (YPN, 9-15 May, p7), but attempts to boost placements were unsuccessful.
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