Howard League responds to report on children’s perceptions of their experiences in custody

The Howard League for Penal Reform has responded to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons’ report, Children in Custody 2018-19 – An analysis of 12-18-year-olds’ perceptions of their experiences in secure training centres and young offender institutions, published today (Wednesday 12 February).

The report considers survey responses given by children in secure training centres and young offender institutions.

Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “When a child is in trouble with the law, we should do all we can to guide them away from crime and help them thrive.

“Prisons do the opposite. Rather than being moved to safer shores, children are being bullied, victimised, exposed to violence, harmed. We hear this every day from calls to the Howard League advice line, and we see it in the survey responses revealed by the inspectorate today. After decades of failure, it is time to act.

“We will turn lives around and reduce crime if we stop sending children to prison and, instead, give them the care and support they need and deserve.”

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. A copy of the report, Children in Custody 2018-19 – An analysis of 12-18-year-olds’ perceptions of their experiences in secure training centres and young offender institutions, will be available from Wednesday 12 February on the Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons website.

Contact

Rob Preece
Campaigns and Communications Manager
Tel: +44 (0)20 7241 7880
Mobile: +44 (0)7714 604955
Email: robert.preece@howardleague.org

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