Damning report reveals high levels of violence at Feltham YOI









Circumstances at Feltham Young Offender Organization (YOI) have been criticised by inspectors with concerns raised over higher levels of violence and young people becoming locked in their cells for too much time.








Feltham A kept 126 15- to 18-year-olds during the time of inspection. Picture: Phil Adams




A report by Prisons Inspectorate found that degrees of violence and the use of force with Feltham A, which held 126 15- to 18-year-olds at the time of the particular inspection, had increased since the final inspection in August 2015, which includes of the violence deemed to be "very serious", including multiple assailants as well as the use of weapons.


Inspectors mentioned the response in terms of behaviour administration was "ineffective", with a focus on sanctions and regime restrictions. Meanwhile, break of cell was "inadequate" plus boys were prevented from using fundamental amenities, including showers and phones.


The restricted regime which was in place meant 40 per cent from the boys were locked up throughout the school day, while 30 % were out of their cells just for two hours each day.


Inspectors also found that despite sufficient college places and teachers, fewer than fifty percent the boys were getting to lessons.


Youth justice campaigners possess called for urgent action on the results.


Carolyne Willow, director associated with children's rights charity Article 39, said the report is proof of "systemic child cruelty and neglect" and shows that "children are unsafe". 
� This is a child protection scandal that demands emergency action to guard children's welfare, " she mentioned.


"Feltham's child prison should be closed, children moved to safe conditions and then an independent review commissioned regarding the transfer of responsibility for kids in custody to a government section which has the knowledge, capacity and worth base to look after children well. "


Alexandra Wigzell, chair of the Standing Committee for Youth Justice, mentioned the report shows how terribly children in custody in England plus Wales are now being looked after.


"This is a system in deep plus growing crisis, " she mentioned, adding that the rise in violence, the usage of unsanctioned control and restraint methods on children, and the increasing routine of locking children away within their cells for long periods of time are proof of a "national scandal".


"This requires urgent and immediate activity from the government, " she mentioned.
 
"I am calling today for your government to publish, immediately, its plan for the decommissioning of YOIs plus STCs, as well as the implementation of its various other reforms to increase resources in YOIs. "


Frances Crook, chief executive associated with The Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "These children are struggling abuse and neglect by the condition.


"Feltham has failed to take care of children and help them change their lives around for decades. You need to put an end to this abusive failing program and properly help children reside law-abiding lives. "


However, inspectors did find a number of positives. The particular report reveals that despite the fact situations for staff were "very challenging", most interactions between staff plus boys were polite.


Meanwhile, care for boys in crisis or even at risk of self-harm was "reasonably good",  substance misuse services remained great, health care was good, and the function of the mental health team has been "excellent".


And despite troubles caused by the regime, the education supplier had created a positive school cast with high expectations.


Peter Clarke, chief inspector of prisons, said violence was a "serious problem" at Feltham A, adding that will during the inspection there was a serious attack on an officer.


"Staff will be able to work in a safe environment instead of be in constant fear of being attacked, " he said.


"The current approach is failing to provide that reasonable expectation and from your evidence available to us, is actually which makes it worse. The focus on keeping individuals apart rather than trying to change their particular behaviour has not worked. Feltham The is not safe for either employees or boys. "


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