“Feltham’s better than it was but it still isn’t a place to lock up our most troubled and vulnerable children – these levels of violence and intimidation show YOIs will never be fit for purpose.

“We’re pleased Feltham A’s improved since its last inspection, which was extremely troubling, but very serious concerns remain. Despite progress in some areas, and the efforts of some staff, Feltham remains beset by high levels of violence, including group attacks, with some boys too scared to leave their cells. Time out of cell is decreasing – now at a woefully inadequate 5.5 hours a day during the week with only thirty minutes outdoors – while segregation is on the increase, with children being held in the adult unit.

“This isn’t the sort of environment where our most damaged children are going to heal and thrive. Inspectors report that many staff are trying their best, with improvements being made. But ultimately, the YOI model cannot deliver the caring and safe environment these children need if they are to overcome their difficulties and become valued members of society.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Standing Committee for Youth Justice (SCYJ is an alliance of over forty organisations campaigning for improvements to the youth justice system. See: www.scyj.org.uk

When children in trouble with the law are named by the press or in the local community, it can have serious implications for the work of YOTs, the children themselves, and their families. Courts decide whether a child in trouble can be identified. However, they often do so without considering the YOT’s views. This is troubling, given the important insights YOTs will have on the impact of naming on the child.

The Standing Committee for Youth Justice (SCYJ) has developed resources for YOTs to help tackle this problem. Our short guide sets out four steps YOTs can take to ensure their views are taken into account by the court. These steps are summarised in an easy-to-follow flow chart, while a separate flow chart helps YOTs to ascertain whether reporting restrictions apply automatically in any given case, and when an application must be made.

All of these resources are free to download and print but YOTs can be sent a hardcopy free of charge. Please contact alexandra.stefanou@scyj.org.uk if your YOT would like a free copy.

The resources can be downloaded from this page.

The SCYJ has published a briefing for YOTs on how children are affected by the new law on custodial sentences for second convictions for knife offences. It is available for free download here.

In July this year, a new law came into force which creates a presumption that courts will impose a custodial sentence for a second knife offence – including possession. There has been some confusion about how this new law applies to children, which this briefing seeks to clarify.

This short briefing explains exactly what the new law says, including the discretion it gives courts not to apply a custodial sentence to children. It goes on to explain what the new law means in practice, including what YOTs may want to include in their pre-sentence reports to inform the court’s decision on whether to pass a custodial sentence when a child is convicted of a second knife offence.

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced new ASB powers which will replace ASBOs and other orders. The new civil injunction is the main replacement for the ASBO and will come into force on the 23^rd March 2015.

SCYJ’s guide to the new powers sets out local policies and practices that SCYJ recommends are introduced alongside the new orders. SCYJ believes that following these research-based recommendations will give the new orders the greatest possible chance of bringing about lasting changes to children’s behaviour and so reducing anti-social behaviour in communities.

The Bill introduces secure colleges as a new form of youth custody, in which the Ministry of Justice intends to hold girls and boys between 12 and 17 years of age. However, the House of Lords voted to exclude girls and children under-15 from secure colleges. This amendment will be considered by the House of Commons on Monday 1st December. We urge MPs to accept it and keep girls and younger children safe.

The briefing is available here. 

It is available here.

The briefing is available here.

You can download our briefing here.

It is available here.

It is available here.