Young People in Custody Covid-19 2020-09-22
2020-09-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the effects of the pandemic on youth custody and rehabilitation.
What assessment has been made of the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on young people in custody? I am concerned about difficulties faced by children in custody during this period, including issues with face-to-face education and social visits. What steps are being taken to address these challenges?
I am aware of the difficulties faced by many children in custody during the COVID period. I recently held a remote meeting with all governors of the youth estate to discuss these impacts, resulting in prioritisation of face-to-face education and social visits for young people's mental health. Both have been resumed across the youth estate.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
With a potential resurgence of the virus, there is concern about maintaining access to essential services like education and rehabilitation for youth in custody.
As the second wave approaches, what specific plans does the Minister have to ensure that all young people and children in custody can access proper face-to-face education and rehabilitation, which are vital for their well-being?
The Government have prioritised education in youth custody institutions, opening them up before adult estates. As we plan for future restrictions, we will closely examine how to handle education while maintaining health and safety measures.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans not detailed beyond general statements about prioritisation and examination of lessons learned.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
During the pandemic, there have been concerns about excessive cell time, cancelled educational activities, and halted family visits for young people in prison.
Despite previous answers, throughout the pandemic, children in prison faced over 23 hours of daily confinement with cancelled education and therapy sessions and stopped family visits. Does the Minister believe these measures aided or hindered rehabilitation?
The lockdown was necessary to prevent potential deaths in prisons based on Public Health England advice. While there were different issues with the youth estate, measures were taken to avoid transmission and protect health, but we recognise education's importance and have prioritised it.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifics about whether these criminal measures helped or hindered rehabilitation are not addressed clearly beyond general statements on actions taken.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Despite a decline in youth referrals to court, there remains a significant backlog of cases awaiting justice.
While the number of young people required to attend court fell by 10,000 before the pandemic, the backlog remained unchanged. With demand dropping by a third and lack of competence shown so far, what hope is there for resolving this in challenging times?
We are managing the court backlog across Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service. I am closely examining the youth estate due to its unique challenges, ensuring swift justice for young people who are particularly vulnerable compared to adults in the adult estate.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures not detailed beyond general statements about management of backlog and prioritisation of youth cases.
Response accuracy