Children Remanded in Custody 2024-05-14
2024-05-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the implications of remanding children to custody, particularly given that many do not receive custodial sentences. The MP highlights statistics showing a significant percentage of youth custody places are taken up by such cases.
I am concerned about the number of children being remanded to custody and wonder what assessment has been made regarding its implications for policies considering 44% of youth custody places are occupied by those on remand who do not end up with a custodial sentence. I also raise concerns about high levels of violence in young offenders institutions where children spend most of their time locked up.
Custody is reserved for those convicted or accused of serious crimes, and the number of detained children has fallen by 82% since 2010. A child can only be remanded if it is very likely they will receive a custodial sentence; otherwise, local authority care should be considered.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about whether custody for children on remand who do not go on to receive a custodial sentence is appropriate was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Continuing from the first question, the MP questions the appropriateness of children being held in custody amidst high levels of violence and long periods of cell confinement.
I note that 44% of places in youth custody are taken up by children on remand who do not go on to receive a custodial sentence. Additionally, children in young offenders institutions spend most time locked up amid high levels of violence. Is this the best place for adolescents?
The investment in a new secure school is commendable, and decisions to remand are made by independent judges. However, the reduction of overall youth custodial numbers by 82% since 2010 is highlighted as positive progress.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about whether custody for children on remand who do not go on to receive a custodial sentence is appropriate was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns are raised about the Wade report's recommendation to reconsider the definition of children in sentencing, particularly around age thresholds where individuals are tried and sentenced.
Will the Lord Chancellor consider one of the recommendations from the Wade report on sentencing for murder? It suggests reviewing the 'children' definition so that those close to their 18th birthday can be treated as more mature in sentencing if appropriate. Shouldn't crime seriousness, rather than age, determine this?
We have adjusted the sentencing regime so courts can take into account significant gaps between 17 and 18-year-old sentences. This allows more mature treatment in certain cases, potentially leading to a more severe punishment.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns are raised about the high costs and inefficiencies associated with remanding children to custody, especially when many do not receive custodial sentences.
Almost two thirds of children on remand in youth detention do not go on to receive a custodial sentence, 17% are acquitted. It costs between £129k-£306k per year to keep just one child on remand. Is this the best use of public money? Are there more efficient alternatives?
In 2010, over 3,000 children were in custody; now it's around 500. Judges must believe substantial grounds exist if a child is to be remanded. We are investing millions to explore alternatives like local authority accommodation for remand.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about whether the cost of keeping children on remand is the best use of public money was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy