LONDON, Nov. 11 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
* New advisory boardset up to champion girls' needs
* Targetedinvestments made into alternatives to custody
* New training for staff on responding to self-harm
A Girls in Youth Justice Boardwill beestablishedto bring togethersenior leadersand expertsfromNHSEngland, government,charities,and the Youth Justice sector toimprovetheircareand outcomes, with self-harm among this group at concerning levels.
Crucially, the Board will include individuals withlived experience of the youth justice systemandseektopromoteeffectivegender-specificpractices.It will meet for the first time next month, marking a significant milestone in the Government's efforts to deliver lasting change for some of the most vulnerable peoplein society.
Despite making up less than 2 per cent of the youth custodial population, girls account for over half of self-harm incidents - and are five times more likely than boys to be victims of sexual assault.
Today's announcement follows Government actionin Marchto permanently end the placement of girls in Young OffenderInstitutions, after an independent reviewby Susannah Hancockrecommended the move to better address the complex mental and physical health challengesof girls in custody.Instead,girlswillnowalwaysbeplaced in settings more suited to their needs such as Secure Schools or Secure Children's Homes.
The Government has now published its full response toMs Hancock'sreview, setting out further steps to improve the supportprovided to girls in the youth justice systemas part of its Plan for Change.
Minister for Youth Justice Jake Richards said:
Girls in custody are among the most vulnerable children in our society,and ending their placement in YoungOffenders Institutions was a huge stepto improving their care.We'renowgoingfurther andtransforming the care they receiveas part of our Plan for Change.
We arebuilding a system that recognises the unique needs of girls and gives them the support they deserve to turn their lives around.
More broadly,theGovernmenthas committed capital investment of over £560 million to reform the children's social care system and support the refurbishment and expansion of the children's homes estate.
£40 millionis also being investedin foster care over three years andpilotsare being fundedin West Yorkshire and Kentto develop alternatives to custody and strengthencommunity support for children at risk ofremand, alongsidea similarGreater Manchesterscheme.
Starting in January 2026, a new approach will be tested to help find better care placements for vulnerable children with complex needs. There will also benew training for staffworking in the youth justice systemto help them respond to self-harm and provide care that takes past trauma into account.
The Youth Custody Service can place girls in different settings across the youth custody estate, including secure children's homes, the new secure school and Oakhill Secure Training Centre.
Background
* The full government response is available at Delivering the best for girls in custody: government response - GOV.UK
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
