Recommendations & Conclusions
6 items
15
Recommendation
12th Report: Children and Young People …
Deferred
We were concerned to hear reports of children being remanded to custody pending psychiatric reports. Evidence received suggested that this is unnecessary and potentially damaging for a child. We ask the Ministry of Justice to set out how many children have been sent to custody pending a psychiatric report. We …
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We were concerned to hear reports of children being remanded to custody pending psychiatric reports. Evidence received suggested that this is unnecessary and potentially damaging for a child. We ask the Ministry of Justice to set out how many children have been sent to custody pending a psychiatric report. We recommend that the Ministry set out what steps it is taking to prevent this from happening.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts in principle that prison should not be used for mental health assessments and recognizes the need for a timely pathway to transfer people to healthcare settings. However, it states that significant further work is needed before legislative change can be introduced and …
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Ministry of Justice
17
Recommendation
12th Report: Children and Young People …
Deferred
We agree that the introduction of a feedback loop between the Youth Court (magistrates and district judges) and Youth Offending Teams and the young person may help improve transparency and support rehabilitation. The Ministry of Justice should review current sentencing options, with a view to introducing a feedback loop.
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We agree that the introduction of a feedback loop between the Youth Court (magistrates and district judges) and Youth Offending Teams and the young person may help improve transparency and support rehabilitation. The Ministry of Justice should review current sentencing options, with a view to introducing a feedback loop.
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Government response AI summary
The government is aware of the value of feedback loops and will explore problem-solving approaches in the youth justice system, including building an evidence base for wider use of panels. It notes that feedback loops already exist for Referral Orders and through innovative local arrangements, …
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Ministry of Justice
21
Recommendation
12th Report: Children and Young People …
Deferred
We agree with the Royal Colleges’ recommendation that the Registered Intermediary Scheme be made available to vulnerable child defendants. We recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out how it will extend this scheme to ensure that children have access to adequate support. The Ministry should also set out how …
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We agree with the Royal Colleges’ recommendation that the Registered Intermediary Scheme be made available to vulnerable child defendants. We recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out how it will extend this scheme to ensure that children have access to adequate support. The Ministry should also set out how all children, regardless of specific needs, are supported through the criminal justice process to ensure that they fully understand the process and are able to participate in an informed and full manner.
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Government response AI summary
The government is currently considering the feasibility of extending the Registered Intermediary Scheme to vulnerable child defendants as part of a review of intermediary provision. It states that Youth Offending Teams currently support all children throughout the criminal justice process with robust guidance.
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Ministry of Justice
22
Recommendation
12th Report: Children and Young People …
Deferred
The youth criminal justice system can be complex to navigate for children and young people, particularly as children reach court proceedings. We recommend that direct recruitment to the youth magistracy be introduced, which would allow magistrates to specialise in the youth justice system from the outset. We also recommend that …
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The youth criminal justice system can be complex to navigate for children and young people, particularly as children reach court proceedings. We recommend that direct recruitment to the youth magistracy be introduced, which would allow magistrates to specialise in the youth justice system from the outset. We also recommend that the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service consider enabling peer advocates to have an increased role in youth court system.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that direct recruitment to the youth magistracy has been considered but not pursued due to insufficient caseload, though they will continue to explore its benefits. They are aware of peer advocates working with YOTs but do not commit to enabling an increased …
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Ministry of Justice
1
Recommendation
16th Report - Children and young people…
Deferred
Throughout this inquiry, we have heard of significant concerns about the use of separation across the youth estate - the effect it has on the individual and on the institution itself. Concerns around the use of separation in the youth secure estate are of long standing. We find it unacceptable …
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Throughout this inquiry, we have heard of significant concerns about the use of separation across the youth estate - the effect it has on the individual and on the institution itself. Concerns around the use of separation in the youth secure estate are of long standing. We find it unacceptable that data on separation in Young Offender Institutions is not gathered and published and recommend that the Ministry of Justice rectify this immediately. We find it unacceptable that data on separation in Young Offender Institutions is not gathered and published and recommend that the Ministry of Justice rectify this immediately.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need to collect and publish data on separation in YOIs, stating it has been capturing data since December 2019 and expects to begin publishing this data quarterly from the 2022/23 financial year onwards, pending a policy review.
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Ministry of Justice
13
Recommendation
16th Report - Children and young people…
Deferred
We welcome the Government’s long-term ambition to replace YOIs and STCs with secure schools, but we are concerned about the level of commitment demonstrated in achieving this aim, given the length of time it has taken to develop a single secure school. We recommend that the Ministry publish a timetable …
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We welcome the Government’s long-term ambition to replace YOIs and STCs with secure schools, but we are concerned about the level of commitment demonstrated in achieving this aim, given the length of time it has taken to develop a single secure school. We recommend that the Ministry publish a timetable setting out how, where and when it plans to replace YOIs and STCs with secure schools and what resource has been allocated to ensure this commitment is achievable and is met.
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Government response AI summary
The government maintains its long-term ambition to replace YOIs and STCs with secure schools but states this will take time, and they will update the Committee on a timetable and further investment when more information is available.
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Ministry of Justice