Latest news with #YOIs
Pembrokeshire Herald
3 days ago
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Youth custody crisis : Parc Prison offers rare progress amid widespread failures
Children held in English youth prisons face long cell time, little trust in staff – but Bridgend's Parc offers glimmer of hope A MAJOR report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons has exposed alarming failings across the youth justice system in England and Wales – revealing that many children held in custody feel unsafe, isolated, and unable to build basic trust with staff. The report, published on Tuesday (June 10), followed inspections at three Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) – Wetherby in West Yorkshire, Werrington in Staffordshire, and Parc in Bridgend, Wales. While conditions in the English institutions were found to be deteriorating, inspectors described Parc as a clear outlier, with more structured routines, stronger staff relationships, and significantly more time spent out of cells. CHILDREN LOCKED UP, IGNORED AND FAILED At Wetherby and Werrington, children reported being locked in their cells for up to 21 hours a day, often alone and without any meaningful conversation with staff. Many said they did not feel safe. The use of segregation was widespread, with some children spending over 100 days separated from others, in conditions bordering on solitary confinement. The report concluded that chronic staff shortages, excessive redeployment, and poor implementation of national care frameworks had eroded any chance of building positive relationships. In some cases, boys were only spoken to when being escorted between rooms. Dining alone in cells was the norm, and staff were frequently rotated, breaking continuity of care. One boy told inspectors: 'I haven't had a proper conversation with a single officer since I arrived.' PARC: A DIFFERENT PICTURE In sharp contrast, HMP & YOI Parc in Bridgend, operated by G4S, was praised for providing more stability and structure. Children at Parc typically spent 7–9 hours out of their cells on weekdays, and up to 8 hours even on weekends — double the freedom seen in English YOIs. Officers at Parc worked in consistent units, enabling them to build familiarity and trust with the boys they supervised. The report said: 'Children were out of their cells for much longer every day, the rules were well established, and relationships were stronger.' Staff at Parc had a better understanding of the Framework for Integrated Care, and children could access education, health support, and therapeutic activities. Importantly, even children placed in separation units at Parc continued to receive education and were not locked in cells all day — a standard not met in England. However, inspectors still found room for improvement at Parc. Literacy and numeracy outcomes remained below expectations, and while staff were more consistent, not all were effectively trained in trauma-informed care. NACRO: SYSTEMIC FAILURE MUST BE ADDRESSED Reacting to the report, the crime reduction charity Nacro said the youth justice system is now in a 'growing state of crisis.' Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Nacro, said: 'Self-harm, violence and isolation are all major issues in the youth estate. Children need adults they can trust – yet this report shows they are being failed. The number of children who say they feel unsafe in custody has doubled in a year. That must change.' Nacro, which operates in more than 40 prisons across the UK, including Wales, urged the Government to ensure that youth custody is used only as a last resort, and that all children in detention are given a safe and rehabilitative environment. EDUCATION FAILURES ADD TO THE PROBLEM In addition to prison conditions, the report drew attention to widespread failures in education provision within the youth estate. A separate December 2024 progress inspection at Parc noted reasonable progress on most issues, but flagged persistent shortcomings in teaching quality, literacy strategies, and reintegration planning. The education watchdog Estyn, in its annual prison report, also raised concerns about inconsistent teaching and leadership at Parc and HMP Cardiff. Despite some pockets of good practice, inspectors said many learners were not reaching basic levels of literacy or numeracy and that opportunities for purposeful education remained too limited. Inspectors recommended that education providers and prison staff work more closely together to identify learning needs, plan better lessons, and give young people meaningful qualifications before release. WEAPONS, VIOLENCE AND RISING DANGER IN ENGLAND The severity of the problems in England was underscored by new data from Wetherby, where nearly 900 improvised weapons were seized in a single year. Staff recorded over 1,100 restraint incidents, and classroom time was lost on more than 12,000 occasions due to fights, lockdowns, or unsafe conditions. Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said: 'This report sets out in stark terms the failure by the Youth Custody Service to create environments in which children in YOIs can form positive, appropriate relationships with authoritative, well-trained and well-supported staff.' He added: 'In 2018, my predecessor reported that children who had these relationships with staff were likely to be motivated to engage with behaviour management schemes. Seven years on, behaviour management is an increasing challenge.' WALES: A MODEL FOR REFORM? Despite Parc's relative success, campaigners warn it must not be seen as a reason for complacency. Children in Wales are still subject to the same overarching policies and pressures from the Ministry of Justice and Youth Custody Service. And while Parc offers some of the best practice in the UK, its lessons have yet to be properly implemented elsewhere. The report calls on the UK Government — and by implication, the Welsh Government in its devolved responsibilities — to: End long-term cell confinement of children Ensure every child receives at least 15 hours of education per week Improve staff training in mental health and trauma-informed care Phase out harmful segregation and separation practices Reduce custodial use and invest in community alternatives Parc is not perfect — but it is proof that a better approach is possible. While most YOIs across England continue to fail children, Wales has the opportunity to lead by example. With political will and investment, Bridgend's example could be the start of a much-needed transformation in how we treat the most vulnerable young people in custody.
Pembrokeshire Herald
3 days ago
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Crimestoppers campaign targets neighbourhood crime in Wales
Children held in English youth prisons face long cell time, little trust in staff – but Bridgend's Parc offers glimmer of hope A MAJOR report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons has exposed alarming failings across the youth justice system in England and Wales – revealing that many children held in custody feel unsafe, isolated, and unable to build basic trust with staff. The report, published on Tuesday (June 10), followed inspections at three Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) – Wetherby in West Yorkshire, Werrington in Staffordshire, and Parc in Bridgend, Wales. While conditions in the English institutions were found to be deteriorating, inspectors described Parc as a clear outlier, with more structured routines, stronger staff relationships, and significantly more time spent out of cells. CHILDREN LOCKED UP, IGNORED AND FAILED At Wetherby and Werrington, children reported being locked in their cells for up to 21 hours a day, often alone and without any meaningful conversation with staff. Many said they did not feel safe. The use of segregation was widespread, with some children spending over 100 days separated from others, in conditions bordering on solitary confinement. The report concluded that chronic staff shortages, excessive redeployment, and poor implementation of national care frameworks had eroded any chance of building positive relationships. In some cases, boys were only spoken to when being escorted between rooms. Dining alone in cells was the norm, and staff were frequently rotated, breaking continuity of care. One boy told inspectors: 'I haven't had a proper conversation with a single officer since I arrived.' PARC: A DIFFERENT PICTURE In sharp contrast, HMP & YOI Parc in Bridgend, operated by G4S, was praised for providing more stability and structure. Children at Parc typically spent 7–9 hours out of their cells on weekdays, and up to 8 hours even on weekends — double the freedom seen in English YOIs. Officers at Parc worked in consistent units, enabling them to build familiarity and trust with the boys they supervised. The report said: 'Children were out of their cells for much longer every day, the rules were well established, and relationships were stronger.' Staff at Parc had a better understanding of the Framework for Integrated Care, and children could access education, health support, and therapeutic activities. Importantly, even children placed in separation units at Parc continued to receive education and were not locked in cells all day — a standard not met in England. However, inspectors still found room for improvement at Parc. Literacy and numeracy outcomes remained below expectations, and while staff were more consistent, not all were effectively trained in trauma-informed care. NACRO: SYSTEMIC FAILURE MUST BE ADDRESSED Reacting to the report, the crime reduction charity Nacro said the youth justice system is now in a 'growing state of crisis.' Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Nacro, said: 'Self-harm, violence and isolation are all major issues in the youth estate. Children need adults they can trust – yet this report shows they are being failed. The number of children who say they feel unsafe in custody has doubled in a year. That must change.' Nacro, which operates in more than 40 prisons across the UK, including Wales, urged the Government to ensure that youth custody is used only as a last resort, and that all children in detention are given a safe and rehabilitative environment. EDUCATION FAILURES ADD TO THE PROBLEM In addition to prison conditions, the report drew attention to widespread failures in education provision within the youth estate. A separate December 2024 progress inspection at Parc noted reasonable progress on most issues, but flagged persistent shortcomings in teaching quality, literacy strategies, and reintegration planning. The education watchdog Estyn, in its annual prison report, also raised concerns about inconsistent teaching and leadership at Parc and HMP Cardiff. Despite some pockets of good practice, inspectors said many learners were not reaching basic levels of literacy or numeracy and that opportunities for purposeful education remained too limited. Inspectors recommended that education providers and prison staff work more closely together to identify learning needs, plan better lessons, and give young people meaningful qualifications before release. WEAPONS, VIOLENCE AND RISING DANGER IN ENGLAND The severity of the problems in England was underscored by new data from Wetherby, where nearly 900 improvised weapons were seized in a single year. Staff recorded over 1,100 restraint incidents, and classroom time was lost on more than 12,000 occasions due to fights, lockdowns, or unsafe conditions. Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said: 'This report sets out in stark terms the failure by the Youth Custody Service to create environments in which children in YOIs can form positive, appropriate relationships with authoritative, well-trained and well-supported staff.' He added: 'In 2018, my predecessor reported that children who had these relationships with staff were likely to be motivated to engage with behaviour management schemes. Seven years on, behaviour management is an increasing challenge.' WALES: A MODEL FOR REFORM? Despite Parc's relative success, campaigners warn it must not be seen as a reason for complacency. Children in Wales are still subject to the same overarching policies and pressures from the Ministry of Justice and Youth Custody Service. And while Parc offers some of the best practice in the UK, its lessons have yet to be properly implemented elsewhere. The report calls on the UK Government — and by implication, the Welsh Government in its devolved responsibilities — to: End long-term cell confinement of children Ensure every child receives at least 15 hours of education per week Improve staff training in mental health and trauma-informed care Phase out harmful segregation and separation practices Reduce custodial use and invest in community alternatives Parc is not perfect — but it is proof that a better approach is possible. While most YOIs across England continue to fail children, Wales has the opportunity to lead by example. With political will and investment, Bridgend's example could be the start of a much-needed transformation in how we treat the most vulnerable young people in custody.
North Wales Chronicle
20-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Legal bid over plans to use pepper spray in young offender institutions
Charity Howard League for Penal Reform has sent a letter before claim to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood urging her to reverse the move set to be rolled out this summer. Pava spray, which is an incapacitant, is due to be made available 'in limited circumstances' to a select number of specialist staff at the three public sector YOIs holding under-18s – YOI Werrington, Wetherby and Feltham A, the Ministry of Justice announced in April. The measure, which seeks to combat rising violence from inmates, was welcomed by union bosses who lobbied for the change for prison officers to be given equipment to protect themselves. The latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show rates of assaults on staff in the YOIs are 14 times higher than within adult prisons. But the plan sparked criticism from the Children's Commissioner and the charity, which warned it was 'a serious escalation in the use of force that is permitted against children'. The spray is set to be rolled out for an initial 12 months before it is reviewed by ministers, while each use of the spray will be reviewed by an independent panel. On Tuesday, charity chief executive Andrea Coomber KC said: 'The Howard League has been preparing to take whatever steps necessary to challenge the roll-out of Pava spray to prisons holding children, including potential legal action. 'We know that Pava spray has been used inappropriately in prisons holding adults; to use it on children would be catastrophic. 'Far from keeping children and staff safe, normalising the use of violence in this way risks making conditions even worse for those living and working in prison.' The national charity is concerned there is a lack of research on the use of the spray in custody, and specifically against children, while existing research in relation to adults shows a 'myriad of potential physiological health impacts'. Ms Coomber added: 'Instead of arming staff, the way to reduce violence is to close failing young offender institutions and ensure that children are accommodated in more appropriate settings – such as secure children's homes – where they can be given the care and support they need. Prison is no place for a child.' The pre-action letter sent by lawyers on behalf of Howard League asks for the Justice Secretary to withdraw the decision and respond within 14 days, it said. The campaigners have also launched a crowd fundraiser to help them fund the challenge, which has currently raised more than £10,000. Announcing the roll-out in April, justice minister Sir Nic Dakin said: 'This Government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis. The unacceptable levels of violence faced by our brave frontline officers in young offender institutions is yet another symptom of that. 'This is not a decision we have made lightly, but our overarching duty is to keep staff and young people in custody safe. This spray is a vital tool to prevent serious violence, helping staff to focus on rehabilitation as part of our Plan for Change.' The rate of assault incidents on staff last year was 170.0 per 100 children and young people at Feltham, 182.9 per 100 at Werrington, and 167.4 per 100 at Wetherby, Ministry of Justice figures show. The rates are around 14 times the equivalent figure in adult prisons in England and Wales, which was 12.2 per 100. The Ministry of Justice said it does not comment on ongoing legal proceedings.
Western Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Legal bid over plans to use pepper spray in young offender institutions
Charity Howard League for Penal Reform has sent a letter before claim to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood urging her to reverse the move set to be rolled out this summer. Pava spray, which is an incapacitant, is due to be made available 'in limited circumstances' to a select number of specialist staff at the three public sector YOIs holding under-18s – YOI Werrington, Wetherby and Feltham A, the Ministry of Justice announced in April. The measure, which seeks to combat rising violence from inmates, was welcomed by union bosses who lobbied for the change for prison officers to be given equipment to protect themselves. The latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show rates of assaults on staff in the YOIs are 14 times higher than within adult prisons. But the plan sparked criticism from the Children's Commissioner and the charity, which warned it was 'a serious escalation in the use of force that is permitted against children'. The spray is set to be rolled out for an initial 12 months before it is reviewed by ministers, while each use of the spray will be reviewed by an independent panel. On Tuesday, charity chief executive Andrea Coomber KC said: 'The Howard League has been preparing to take whatever steps necessary to challenge the roll-out of Pava spray to prisons holding children, including potential legal action. 'We know that Pava spray has been used inappropriately in prisons holding adults; to use it on children would be catastrophic. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been urged to reverse the move before it is rolled out this summer (Ben Whitley/PA) 'Far from keeping children and staff safe, normalising the use of violence in this way risks making conditions even worse for those living and working in prison.' The national charity is concerned there is a lack of research on the use of the spray in custody, and specifically against children, while existing research in relation to adults shows a 'myriad of potential physiological health impacts'. Ms Coomber added: 'Instead of arming staff, the way to reduce violence is to close failing young offender institutions and ensure that children are accommodated in more appropriate settings – such as secure children's homes – where they can be given the care and support they need. Prison is no place for a child.' The pre-action letter sent by lawyers on behalf of Howard League asks for the Justice Secretary to withdraw the decision and respond within 14 days, it said. The campaigners have also launched a crowd fundraiser to help them fund the challenge, which has currently raised more than £10,000. Announcing the roll-out in April, justice minister Sir Nic Dakin said: 'This Government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis. The unacceptable levels of violence faced by our brave frontline officers in young offender institutions is yet another symptom of that. 'This is not a decision we have made lightly, but our overarching duty is to keep staff and young people in custody safe. This spray is a vital tool to prevent serious violence, helping staff to focus on rehabilitation as part of our Plan for Change.' The rate of assault incidents on staff last year was 170.0 per 100 children and young people at Feltham, 182.9 per 100 at Werrington, and 167.4 per 100 at Wetherby, Ministry of Justice figures show. The rates are around 14 times the equivalent figure in adult prisons in England and Wales, which was 12.2 per 100. The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment.
ITV News
25-04-2025
- ITV News
Pepper spray to be introduced at Feltham Young Offenders Institution from this summer
Feltham Young Offender Institution (YOI) will be one of three public sector institutions where synthetic pepper spray is introduced this summer, as part of efforts to combat rising levels of violence against staff. The move comes after new figures released by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) on Thursday showed rates of assaults on staff were 14 times higher than at adult prisons. Pava spray, already used by police and guards in adult prisons, will be rolled out 'in limited circumstances' to specialist staff at Feltham A, Werrington and Wetherby – the three public sector YOIs that hold children under 18. Staff at Feltham will receive 'a really high level' of training and there will be 'a very clear, high threshold' for when the spray can be used, according to a senior youth custody source. Recent incidents have left officers at YOIs with fractures, dislocations and puncture wounds, the MoJ said. Inmates have reportedly used cutlery and screws taken from furniture as weapons. In one case, a female staff member used her body as a human shield to protect a child who was being attacked in a group assault in the courtyard, a senior source said. MoJ data shows Feltham had 170.0 assaults on staff per 100 children and young people last year. This compares to 182.9 at Werrington and 167.4 at Wetherby. Across the whole of the children and young persons secure estate – including other establishments such as secure children's homes – the rate of assaults on staff was 183.6 per 100, a slight drop from 187.2 in 2023. Justice minister Sir Nic Dakin said: 'This government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis. The unacceptable levels of violence faced by our brave frontline officers in young offender institutions is yet another symptom of that. 'This is not a decision we have made lightly, but our overarching duty is to keep staff and young people in custody safe. This spray is a vital tool to prevent serious violence, helping staff to focus on rehabilitation as part of our Plan for Change.' The rollout will last 12 months and be reviewed by ministers. Each use of the spray will also be assessed by an independent panel. Youth justice charity the Howard League for Penal Reform has condemned the move. Andrea Coomber KC, the charity's chief executive, said: 'There is too much violence in prisons holding children, but this is a direct consequence of a failing system that keeps boys as young as 15 locked in their cells for up to 23 hours a day without meaningful access to education or social interaction. 'It reflects a profound failure on the part of those responsible for children in custody that they would consider introducing weapons in the name of safety. 'Instead of arming staff, the way to reduce violence is to close failing young offender institutions and ensure that children are accommodated in more appropriate settings - such as secure children's homes - where they can be given the care and support they need. 'Prison is no place for a child.' The move was welcomed by the Prison Officers' Association. Steve Gillan, general secretary of the POA, said: 'Young offenders institutions can be a very challenging environment for our members to work in. 'Prison officers must be given the right PPE to protect themselves and prisoners from violence. This is a step in the right direction.'
