A recent Guardian investigation has uncovered a troubling rise in the number of vulnerable children being detained far from their families in youth offender institutions (YOIs), sparking accusations that the UK government is breaching its legal obligations.
The proportion of young offenders held over 100 miles away from home has doubled in the past decade, now standing at 15%, the highest since the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Additionally, more than one in ten young detainees in England are being kept at least 75 miles from their families—the highest figure recorded since the Ministry of Justice began tracking this data in 2015.
Youth Centre Closures Exacerbate the Crisis
The closure of youth custody centres has left many families unable to visit detained children regularly.
Experts and charities warn that keeping children close to their families reduces the likelihood of reoffending, yet just 17% of the 530 children in custody in October 2023 were held near their homes—the lowest figure on record.
Alarmingly, 80% of these young people are housed in violent and poorly managed YOIs.
Warnings of Long-Term Damage
Despite repeated warnings from oversight bodies such as Ofsted, HM Inspectorate of Prisons, and parliamentary watchdogs, the situation continues to deteriorate.
The National Association for Youth Justice (NAYJ) has condemned the current system, calling it “another example of social injustice to the most vulnerable children and families in our country.”
Dr Samantha Burns, deputy chair of the NAYJ, criticised the government for failing to uphold its legal responsibility under the Children Act 1989 to maintain family relationships for those in custody.
Many detained children suffer from significant vulnerabilities, including mental health issues and special educational needs.
Promises Unfulfilled
The Conservative government previously pledged to replace England’s four YOIs and its last secure training centre with smaller, more family-friendly secure schools.
However, only one such institution has opened so far, leaving many children in unsuitable and dangerous environments.
By contrast, Scotland recently transferred all under-18s out of YOIs into child-appropriate facilities. Children’s Commissioner Rachel de Souza has urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to accelerate plans for smaller secure homes near families, warning that the current system is failing to rehabilitate young offenders.
Alarming Statistics
A 2023 report from De Souza revealed that over half of children placed more than 100 miles from home received no in-person visits in a month, compared to 84% of those housed within 24 miles who had at least one visit.
She argued that the current approach perpetuates cycles of violence and exploitation.
Unsafe Conditions in YOIs
Recent reports paint a grim picture of conditions in YOIs. Feltham A in west London has been identified as the most violent prison in the country, with teenage inmates refusing family visits out of fear for their relatives’ safety.
Meanwhile, Wetherby YOI records the highest rates of self-harm incidents of any prison nationwide.
Call for Urgent Reform
De Souza emphasised that children in the youth justice system need stable, positive relationships to support rehabilitation. “Placing them miles away from their families, often in unsafe facilities, does nothing to help these children grow into happy, successful adults,” she said.
Without urgent reform, experts warn, vulnerable young people will continue to be isolated in environments that fail to address their needs, increasing the risk of reoffending and deepening cycles of violence.
