Recommendation 14

We note that the number of children on remand is high and that two thirds of children given a remand to youth detention accommodation did not subsequently receive a custodial sentence. Multiple factors appear to contribute to these numbers: an increase in serious violence; lack of credible community alternatives; and limited amount of time available to put together an alternative bail package may all be contributing factors. We welcome the MOJ’s current review of youth remand, but request more detail on what that review is covering. The Ministry should also set out the timeframe in which they intend to complete the review and publish its results and any action plan.