Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
HMPPS informed us there is a gap in provision in the North West.46 But it...
Conclusion
HMPPS informed us there is a gap in provision in the North West.46 But it does not have any immediate plans to address this gap.47 The Ministry and HMPPS told us that their number one principle for designing provision and placing children is getting the best outcomes for the children. They acknowledged that there will always be spare capacity, and told us that their focus is on making sure they have the right sort of capacity, which is why they are focused on improving YOI provision, which is where most children are held.48 However, improving YOIs may not help improve options for placing the most vulnerable children. The Ministry gave examples of two YOIs, Wetherby and Feltham, that include specialist units for more high risk or vulnerable children but typically YOIs accommodate older children and are less suitable for children with complex needs.49 The National Audit Office report highlighted the Ministry and HMPSS’s acknowledgement that STC failures had heightened pressures to place children in YOIs that are less suitable for vulnerable children.50 44 C&AG’s Report, paras 3.3, 3.4 45 Q67, Q71 46 Q51 47 Q64–Q65 48 Q74 49 Q75: C&AG’s Report, para 1 50 C&AG’s Report, para 13 Secure training centres and secure schools 13 2 The secure school programme and understanding what works Delays and cost increases
Government Response Summary
The government states that 60% of children are placed less than 50 miles from home and that YCS placement guidance states that children will be placed into the most appropriate available establishment to meet their needs.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.3 In the year ending March 2022, data presenting the average distance from home (where home address was recorded) in the children and young people’s secure estate show that 60% were placed less than 50 miles from home. YCS placement guidance states that children will be placed into the most appropriate available establishment to meet their needs, which may not necessarily be the closest to their home area or court catchment, however, this will always be considered where availability allows. The YCS closely monitors the numbers of children and young people in custody and are confident that there will be continued sufficient overall capacity, whilst considering options to ensure the ability to appropriately place all children in line with their needs, as and when the population increases.