Secure Estate for Young People 2020-06-09
2020-06-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
In January, inspectors found that children were confined to their cells for up to 23 hours per day and subjected to restraint techniques causing injury.
Emma Lewell-Buck asked about the Government's assessment of trends in violence on the secure estate for young people, highlighting concerns over high levels of violence despite recent visits describing sites as calm. She questioned why a report due last summer had not been published.
The hon. Member correctly points out difficult reports in this area; her Majesty's inspectorate of prisons thematic report found separation issues leading to immediate actions including enhanced oversight and standardised data collection on separation. We commissioned Charlie Taylor to review pain-inducing techniques, and the report will be published shortly.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Select Committee heard that violence remains high due to a challenging cohort with regular staff redeployment.
Bob Neill asked if the Minister would look again at staffing needs, noting concerns about churn and relationship building. He mentioned the need for a serious approach and strategy for staffing in all prisons but especially secure estate.
The hon. Friend acknowledges an important point; we are ensuring youth custody only for serious crimes, resulting in over 50% committing violent crimes, challenging us to provide bespoke support with early interventions. We have increased staffing by 27%, professionalising the service with a new foundation degree.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Children are spending long periods confined due to the pandemic, with an inspection finding children at Cookham Wood spending just 40 minutes outside their cells daily.
David Lammy asked for confirmation that measures limiting contact had been rectified immediately. He inquired about a date by which all children would have access to education and family visits, given the priority now on returning children to school.
The right hon. Gentleman correctly identifies severe lockdown measures taken due to 2,500 to 3,500 potential deaths; we took drastic action resulting in only 23 deaths overall. In YOIs, children now spend between two and three and a half hours out of cells daily; normal regimes are almost restored with visits and education prioritised.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
One third of children on remand will not receive custodial sentences. With trials restarting, there are concerns over prioritisation.
David Lammy questioned the Minister's actions with Lord Chief Justice to ensure fast-tracked criminal trials for children held on remand, given that two-thirds may not need a custodial sentence.
The right hon. Gentleman rightly says custody should be a last resort; we have fewer than 700 youth in custody now. In the adult estate, judiciary fast-tracked remand cases; Youth Justice Board reviews those held on remand to assess release possibilities.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
There is a need to ensure that prison officers have the right skills to manage and rehabilitate young people.
Alexander Stafford asked about training programs for prison officers working in youth custody, noting the importance of cutting future offending rates through proper training.
My hon. Friend makes an important point; introduced a new youth justice specialist role with funding for every prison officer in youth custody to take up foundation degree in youth justice, 30 completed and 400 started the training.
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