I’ve been learning more about the youth justice system for a recent project and it’s hard not to come away with a deep sense of sadness. It feels like we are clinging to an antiquated set-up, and I struggle to see hope in a system that continues to put punishment at its heart and does little to break a cycle of disempowerment and disenfranchisement of already disengaged children.

The Numbers

There are 5 young offenders institutes across the country, which hold around 450 children in custody at any one time. These are children aged 15 – 17. The average custodial sentence is 22.8 months – nearly two years.

The Horror

  • The poor conditions within youth offender institutes have regularly featured in Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons reports and media – the “extraordinary” decline in safety, the increase in violence and self-harm and limited time out of rooms.
  • The significant link to the care system – for example 60% of those in Feltham were on full care orders or deemed “children in need” before entering custody.
  • Staffing challenges that continue to limit the provision of support and activities within youth offender institutes, leading to further frustration and violence

“Many were being released from Feltham A without stable accommodation, without education, training or employment in place, and without support from family or friends”

Report on an announced inspection of HMYOI Feltham A Children’s Unit by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons
4–19 July 2019

The Opportunity

  • Across 2021-22, there were 8,000 children known as “first time entrants” to the youth justice system, posing an opportunity to make this both the first and last time these children are involved in the system
  • Numbers of children in custody have been steadily falling for years
  • Scotland has recently decided to stop under 18s going to youth offender institutes, building on “The Promise”, their plan to provide better support for Looked After Children.

What’s Next

I don’t excuse the crimes committed, or the significant impact on all those affected. However, I cannot see the benefit of imposing significant confinement on children as young as 15. When you add the challenges of violence, providing adequate support and activities, post-custody support and maintaining links with their family and communities it’s apparent the system is broken. As a society we need to ensure it’s a system based on understanding and compassion – one that looks at the why, puts the time in to work through trauma and invests in significant individualised rehabilitation. Everyone deserves better.

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Photo by Ye Jinghan on Unsplash