Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 27
Throughout this inquiry, we have heard of significant concerns about the use of separation across...
Conclusion
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.
Paragraph Reference:
27
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The issue underlying the Committee’s recommendation is the gap in the central collection of separation data for Young Offender Institutions (YOIs), and the publication of these figures is one the Government has recognised. This is why the Information Development Project was created by the Youth Custody Service (YCS) to improve the central collection of data across the youth secure estate. Since December 2019 the YCS has been capturing and recording incidents of separation in YOIs which has begun to inform practice. More broadly, we are reviewing the impact of the separation policy framework on the current data collection methods. This will add to our understanding of the impact of trends, helping us support the youth secure estate in implementing local changes, improving outcomes for children and young people. Given that the purpose of collecting separation data is to inform practice and improve outcomes, we agree more needs to be done to improve transparency through the sharing of this information. However, we are clear this needs to be carefully balanced against capturing sufficient, suitable and accurate data that can be effectively analysed and inform practice. The issue on when to publish separation data remains under review as we await publication of the separation policy which we anticipate will further inform our data capturing process in terms of suitability. However, we expect to begin publishing separation data on a quarterly basis in the 2022/23 financial year and onwards.