Inspectors praise 'model' youth custody unit
Neil Puffett
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
A specialist youth custody unit designed to support some of the most troubled and vulnerable young people in the country has been praised by inspectors for the level of care it provides.
Inspectors found that the Keppel unit at Wetherby young offender institution in Yorkshire delivered high-quality care in an environment that allows young people “the chance to settle and the opportunity to thrive”.
They said that the unit, which opened in 2008 and can accommodate 48 young people aged 15 to 18 who are unsuitable for placement in the mainstream population, provided the “model of how a specialist unit should be run”.
The report found that:
- All young people had an up-to-date care plan so their needs were under constant review
- Those at risk of self-harm were well supported
- Relationships between staff and young people were very good
- Staff intervened quickly to prevent bullying and fights from escalating
- Progress had been made in co-ordinating resettlement work
- And there was now greater involvement by external partners in safeguarding and child protection arrangements
However, they were concerned that routine strip-searching still took place with force sometimes used to gain compliance; and many young people struggled to maintain regular contact with their families, due to the distance they were held from home.
Nick Hardwick, chief inspector of prisons, said: “In the five years since its inception, a positive ethos has been established and sustained within the Keppel unit and good work practices have become embedded.
“Despite their vulnerability, young people were provided with a high standard of care within a well-run facility.
“Our findings reflect the positive reaction from most young people and overall, the outcomes available were having a constructive and positive influence on some otherwise difficult young people.
“The secure estate has much to learn from the positive way the Keppel unit has been developed over recent years.”
Lin Hinnigan, chief executive of the Youth Justice Board, said: "The Youth Justice Board, together with the National Offender Management Service, have worked with the unit to ensure that Keppel offers a safe and supportive environment for boys with emotional difficulties.
“The inspectorate’s report reflects the largely positive response from young people who have been given the chance to experience a specialist regime and the opportunity to thrive.
"Where issues have been raised by HMIP we intend to take these forward with NOMS."
