The Government’s decision today to ensure that no girls are placed in Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) in England from now on is a welcome reform that will help to keep them safer, Centre for Mental Health said today.
Welcoming the independent review by Susannah Hancock into the placement and care of girls in youth custody, Centre for Mental Health chief executive Andy Bell said: “Girls in the Children and Young People’s Secure Estate have high levels of trauma and self-harm. They need to be in safe places where their needs are understood, and they can get the right support. While girls and young women are a small proportion of those placed in the Children and Young People’s Secure Estate, our research has shown they are at risk in environments designed for boys and young men.
“We are pleased that the Government has acted quickly to end the placement of girls in YOIs. We hope the review’s other recommendations will be acted on with the same seriousness so that girls’ needs are met throughout the youth justice system and the Children and Young People’s Secure Estate. This should include action to reduce the use of custody wherever it can be avoided, and ensuring that girls are placed in environments that are suitable to them, with fully trained and supported staff, and expert mental health care on hand.”
