Racist comments are ‘commonplace’

Flaws in the Prison Service’s complaints procedures are causing
young black prisoners to suffer racism in silence, research from
the charity the Children’s Society has found.

The majority of black teenagers in custody interviewed for the
report said that racist comments and discrimination by prison staff
were commonplace in young offenders institutions.

Only five of the 45 young people interviewed had heard of race
relations liaison officers or race relations management
teams.

The findings contradict official prison inspection reports, which
depict the YOIs as enjoying good race relations records.

Describing the young people’s experiences as “shocking”, the
Children’s Society is now calling on the Prison Service to review
prison recruitment, improve anti-racism staff training, act on
complaints, and review the use of control and restraint on children
under 18.

– Playing the Game from website www.childrenssociety.org.uk