Recommendation 24

We furthermore asked the Ministry and HMPPS about how they are responding to criticism about existing custodial provision.87 Josh MacAlister—in The independent review of children’s social care—described YOIs and STCs as “wholly unsuitable” for accommodating children in the criminal justice system.88 Yet, the Ministry said it is committed to the existing sector where most children are held.89 It described this independent review as helpful and said it would issue a joined-up response to the recommendations, with input from DfE and other relevant bodies.90