Case postponed to solicit more views

A High Court case to secure more protection for children in
prison was delayed this week to allow social services authorities
the chance to make submissions.

The Howard League for Penal Reform hoped to begin the case
yesterday to challenge the Home Office’s refusal to apply the
Children Act 1989 to prisons.  

The charity believes children in prisons are routinely treated
in ways that in other circumstances would trigger a child
protection investigation for abuse.

But Mr Justice Crane decided that the case should be put back to
allow national and local social services authorities, including the
Department of Health, to intervene in a matter which, he said,
would have a “profound effect” on their function and resources.