A Ministry of Justice policy document published last week, effective from February 2024, for the first time instructs staff working in child prisons that they “are not permitted to use restraint techniques which deliberately cause pain”. When the policy is finally implemented, it will be nearly two decades since the death of 14 year-old Adam Rickwood at … Read more
The Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has responded to the urgent notification issued in respect of G4S-run Oakhill secure training centre by Ofsted, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons and the Care Quality Commission last month. His letter to Ofsted’s Chief Inspector describes the serious concerns raised by the inspectorates as “deeply troubling” and says the failures … Read more
In December 2020, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) found a local authority at fault for failing to properly assess, plan and support a 15-year-old boy, S, in preparation for and following his release from custody. Inadequate and delayed assessment and planning prevented S’s early release, which unnecessarily extended his time in custody, … Read more
Earlier this month, Article 39 and others wrote to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland QC MP urging the release of children from prison wherever possible. Carolyne Willow, Article 39’s Director, said: “Children need to be with their families or in care settings where their health and well-being can be secured and their fears and questions answered. … Read more
Article 39 has obtained data from local authorities showing there were more than 550 allegations of abuse and neglect in England’s seven child prisons over the past three years. Whenever there is reasonable suspicion that a child is suffering significant harm, councils are required under the Children Act 1989 to investigate to see whether they … Read more