01.02.12 - SCYJ issues statement on YJB decommissioning of 17 beds in secure children's homes

SCYJ today responded to the Youth Justice Board's announcement that from 1 April 2012 it would commission 166 beds in secure children's homes - 17 fewer than the current figure of 183. Our response said: It is good that the YJB is continuing to support secure children's homes but really disappointing that the places they are purchasing in them are being reduced.  The child custody population is shrinking but if children are to be imprisoned, secure children's homes are better than the alternatives - offering better trained staff and a more welfare-oriented approach. We believe any reduction in places should come from juvenile YOIs, which are inappropriate custodial establishments for children.

Prior to our issuing this statement, SCYJ understands that a document headed as a press release related from SCYJ and relating to the use of secure children's homes was circulated to a number of establishments and organisations. We wish to make it clear that this document was a draft produced by a member organisation and was not issued to the media, nor had the wording and contents been agreed or signed off by the officers or members of the SCYJ.  Whilst the Committee does take a view on this matter, some of the terminology in this document was inappropriate and would not have been approved by the SCYJ. The YJB has been informed and understands that this is not an official SCYJ document.

18.11.11 - SCYJ opposes mandatory sentencing for teenagers

SCYJ has briefed Parliamentarians on Clause 128 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, opposing the use of near-mandatory imprisonment for 16-17 year olds convicted of one of the new offences created in Clause 128. Read the briefing.