Children’s commissioner focuses on young offenders and asylum-seeking children

Al Aynsley-Green, the children’s commissioner for England, plans to inspect young offender institutions and address the mental health needs of young people in custody in the year ahead.

In his first annual report, published last week, Aynsley-Green also pledged to publish a report on the asylum process for children, following up his visit to the Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre.

He will also publish research on the way councils treat young peopled aged over 14 who are in need of, but not receiving, services such as housing and are subsequently taken into care.

And he said he would press for more resources for disabled children in preparation for next year’s comprehensive spending review.