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Fatal flaws in the way children are screened for vulnerability when remanded in custody are putting lives at risk, according to research from the Children’s Society, writes Clare Jerrom.

The process of assessment between court and prison is fragmented and haemorrhages crucial information, leaving prison staff with little choice but to admit children with few details, it shows.

Author of the research Barry Goldson said: "The so-called vulnerability assessment process is like a cattle market. Children are herded into over-crowded and unsuitable prison reception areas and processed with indecent haste."

The report reveals how children are transported from court to prison in "sweatbox" pens, no bigger than a telephone box and with no toilet facilities.

At prison reception areas, they are asked about their mental state, family relationships and suicidal tendencies in public, and many are reluctant to discuss their vulnerability in front of peers.

On their first night, children are often locked up with little support or counselling, and as a result children often experience confusion and despair.

The research highlights how the introduction of new government legislation, section 130 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, will not help the situation. Children as young as 15 can be placed on remand in prison for ‘persistent’, but petty offences, such as stealing sweets or vandalism.

The charity is calling for the government to immediately repeal section 130 of the act, end all prison remands for anyone under 16, raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 in England and Wales, and for children in prison to be protected by the Children Act 1989 to give them the same rights to protection from abuse as all other children.

'Vulnerable Inside' is available from 020 7841 4415.