More young offenders to be held in open settings

More children and young people in custody could be held in “open” accommodation such as residential special schools and therapeutic communities under proposals published by the Youth Justice Board today.

The YJB put forward measures for placing young offenders, who did not require a high level of security, in accommodation including open sections of secure children’s homes, mental health settings and residential special schools.

The strategy also proposed developing accommodation in Wales for Welsh children and young people, the vast majority of whom are currently held in England.

The plans also propose the creation of small scale accommodation units within young offender institutions for vulnerable older boys who need intensive staff support.