More cause for concern with use of restraint

Latest Parliamentary figures show that campaigners' concerns over the use of restraint in secure training centres are well-founded.

Scottish care system failing to keep kids out of trouble

New research from Scotland has found that the care system is not doing enough to keep kids out of the criminal justice system.

Number of kids in custody drops to new low

Fewer children were in prison in May this year than at any point since the Youth Justice Board started collecting data. 

Figures published by the YJB this week show that there were 2,070 children in prison in May 2010, a 20% reduction since May last year when the equivalent child prison population was 2,631. 

However, while the overall number of children in prison has dropped substantially, one in four kids in prison are on remand, much higher than the proportion for adults.

More children imprisoned indefinately than ever before

Research conducted by the Out of Trouble programme has found that between 2005 and 2008, the number of children imprisoned indeterminately increased by 170%.

Out of Trouble director Penelope Gibbs said:

“These are ridiculous sentences for children. They condemn them to a sentence without a particular end. That is an absolutely shocking abuse of the rights of the child. For them to be locked up and not understand when they will be released must be absolute torture for them."

 

Out of Trouble in Law Gazette

Out of Trouble director Penelope has a comment piece published in this week's Law Society Gazette, the premiere publication for solicitors and lawyers.