Story perspectives

Children's Commissioner Urges Closure of Young Offender Institutions

11/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

England's Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza says the youth justice system uses custody as a waiting room for children needing care, housing, or mental health support.
Her report highlights systemic failures and the overrepresentation of minority ethnic groups in custody, noting 62% of remands did not lead to custodial sentences.
De Souza calls for closing all young offender institutions (YOIs) and adopting a rehabilitative model with smaller, supportive settings.

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Story summary

England's Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza says the youth justice system uses custody as a waiting room for children needing care, housing, or mental health support.
Her report highlights systemic failures and the overrepresentation of minority ethnic groups in custody, noting 62% of remands did not lead to custodial sentences.
De Souza calls for closing all young offender institutions (YOIs) and adopting a rehabilitative model with smaller, supportive settings.