Disturbances at Deerbolt Young Offender Institution, and staff shortages at Oakhill Secure Training Centre, have cut the number of places available, and custody numbers have been increasing since January.
The number of under-18s in custody increased by 35 during February, from 2,843 to 2,878. This is 132 higher than the same time last year.
The YJB said there is particular pressure on young offender institutions, and it is doing what it can, but the situation is leading to transfers between institutions.
At the YJB's prevention conference last week, Chris Stanley, head of policy and research at crime-reduction charity Nacro, said the secure estate seems to be "bursting at the seams".
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