Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Secure Youth Estate: Violence

Tuesday 26 March 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Stephen Doughty questioned the Minister about steps to reduce violence in the secure youth estate, citing a 9% year-on-year increase in assaults.
  • Stephen Doughty inquired about ending the practice of keeping young people in their cells when transferred to other institutions, to which the Minister responded with individual assessments and suitable placements.
  • Janet Daby asked about the acceptability of restraining and stripping a girl with complex needs, receiving a response that no strip search occurred and officers acted under a blanket to protect her life.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Doughty Labour (Co-op) Cardiff South and Penarth
Justice & Courts
Context

The number of children in custody has fallen by nearly 70% over the last decade, with 71% detained for violent offences. Assaults on staff increased by 9% between July and September 2023 compared to the previous year.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to reduce violence in the secure youth estate given there were 320 assaults on staff, including 24 serious ones, a 9% increase year-on-year?

Answer from Edward Argar

The current approach is working but more needs to be done. The government believes that its methods for tackling violence and conflict resolution are appropriate and effective.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plan and timeline not provided

How: We Believe Our Approach Is Right

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Q2 Stephen Doughty Labour (Co-op) Cardiff South and Penarth
Crime & Law Enforcement Children & Families
Context

A lack of progress in improving young people's access to education and increased violence on the prison estate prompted the decision to change Cookham Wood youth offender institution into an adult prison.

Question

In light of increased violence, when will the Minister ensure that the practice of keeping young people in their cells ends as they are transferred to other institutions?

Answer from Edward Argar

The decision to close Cookham Wood was due to specific local factors. Young people will be individually assessed and transferred to institutions best suited for their needs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures not provided

How: Due To Local Factors, Individually Assessed

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Q3 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Justice & Courts Mental Health
Context

Cookham Wood youth offender institution is being converted into an adult prison, highlighting challenges with young people's access to education and increasing violence.

Question

In the context of rising violence and extreme self-harm, does the Minister believe that restraining a girl with complex needs and then stripping her was acceptable? What alternative provisions are there besides the Keppel unit at Wetherby YOI?

Answer from Edward Argar

The reported incident was inaccurate; no strip search occurred. Officers acted under a blanket to protect life in imminent danger.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acceptability of the practice not addressed

How: Inaccurate Reporting

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Q4 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Crime & Law Enforcement Children & Families
Context

Violence is a challenge across the youth estate, including cases of extreme self-harm and inappropriate handling of young offenders.

Question

Does the Minister believe that restraining a girl with complex needs and then stripping her was acceptable? What alternative provision does he have other than the Keppel unit?

Answer from Edward Argar

The reported incident inaccurately described a strip search; officers protected the individual's modesty under a blanket. The practice was incorrect.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acceptability not clarified, alternatives unspecified

How: Inaccurate Reporting

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