Reports into independent advocacy services in prison for 2004-05, released by the Youth Justice Board under the Freedom of Information Act, do not once mention restraint and strip- searching, despite widespread use. Issues most commonly raised by young people were contact with agencies, procedures, and safeguarding. The YJB refused to issue reports for 2005-06, using an exemption under the FOI Act.
The YJB contracts charities Voice and the National Youth Advocacy Service to provide advocacy services in young offender institutions. The services were established in 2004, and contracts are up for renewal.
Frances Crook, director of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "We want to encourage advocacy providers to be more proactive."
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