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A recent investigation by the HM Inspectorate of Prisons has unveiled a disturbing reality for young detainees on remand in England and Wales. These children, often held unnecessarily in secure facilities, are subjected to extreme violence, including stabbings, while waiting for trial or sentencing. The findings raise serious questions about the youth justice system and its ability to protect vulnerable individuals.
Unnecessary Custody and Exposure to Violence
The report highlights that nearly 100 children each year are remanded to custody only to be released or transferred to local authority accommodation within a fortnight. This shocking practice leaves many young people facing terrifying experiences in environments designed to rehabilitate, not harm.
One young detainee recounted witnessing a stabbing, which left him feeling scared and confused. Most of these children are in custody for the first time, and many report a lack of clear communication regarding the reasons for their detention. The prevailing sentiment among them is one of fear and uncertainty.
Government Response and Reform Plans
In light of these troubling findings, the government has announced plans for a comprehensive reform of youth justice, aiming for a 25% reduction in the use of custodial remand for children by the end of the current parliamentary term. Justice Secretary David Lammy expressed a commitment to addressing the root causes of youth offending to prevent young people from becoming entrenched in criminal behaviour.
Andrea Coomber, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, voiced her concerns, emphasising the toxic nature of prison environments for children. She pointed out that remand should be a last resort and that many children are unjustly suffering due to systemic failures within the services designed to support them.
Detrimental Conditions in Custody
The report outlines that between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025, 190 children were held in custody before being bailed, with 91 of those experiencing custody durations of two weeks or less. Alarmingly, more than half of those detained for less than a week were placed in young offender institutions, where violence levels reportedly surpass those found in adult prisons.
Inspectors documented the experiences of 25 children, most of whom were first-time detainees. Many exhibited signs of vulnerability and faced complex needs, including neurodivergent conditions and histories of trauma. One child described the chaotic atmosphere of the institution, where intimidation from peers was commonplace.
The Need for Effective Alternatives
Under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, there is an established presumption of bail for children, with custody being a last resort. However, the report indicates that youth justice services often remain uninformed when a child is remanded, limiting their capacity to arrange suitable bail alternatives. In many cases, particularly in areas with fewer remands, these services lack the expertise necessary to provide effective support.
HM Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor noted that while custodial remand plays a critical role in the justice system, a significant proportion of children in custody are on remand rather than serving sentences. With over half of these young people not receiving custodial sentences, the need for reform is evident. He also pointed out that many professionals working within local authorities and custodial institutions agree that short-term remands are frequently avoidable.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice affirmed the government’s intention to minimise the number of children held in custody while awaiting trial or sentencing, emphasising that public protection must be the primary consideration. The government has allocated £5 million to support community-based alternatives to custodial remand.
Why it Matters
The findings from this report underscore a critical failure within the youth justice system, highlighting the urgent need for reform to protect some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. Exposing children to violence and trauma undermines their potential for rehabilitation and risks perpetuating cycles of crime and despair. As the government seeks to implement changes, the necessity for effective alternatives to custody and a more compassionate approach to youth offenders has never been clearer. The future of these young lives hangs in the balance, and immediate action is required to ensure their safety and well-being.
