Howard League responds to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons’ annual report on the experiences of detained children

The Howard League for Penal Reform has responded to HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ annual report on the experiences of detained children aged 12 to 18, published today (Wednesday 22 November).

Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “Once again, this annual report presents an appalling picture. Children are being harmed.

“The Howard League is representing children who have been held in solitary confinement for long periods of time. Boys hardly ever see daylight, have a very poor diet, get little or no help with their problems and even getting a shower is a challenge. If we treated animals like this, it would be a national scandal.

“The inspectorate is right to draw attention to the disproportionate numbers of black and minority ethnic children, and children who have been in care, in custody. It raises serious questions about the sentencing and remand decisions of the youth courts.”

Notes to editors

1. The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the world. It is a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
2. The report can be found on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons website: https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/our-reports/

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