The Minister for Youth Justice Sir has commissioned Susannah Hancock to lead an
independent review into the placement of girls in the children
and young people's secure estate from November 2024. The review
will consider current placement options and care for girls in the
youth estate and report back in 3 months.
There are only a very small number of girls in custody today with
latest figures showing only ten girls in custody in England and
Wales, less than 2% of all children. Girls in custody are often
highly vulnerable with multiple complex needs, which makes
placement of girls in the youth estate particularly challenging.
Currently the YCS places girls in different settings across the
youth custody estate, including secure children's homes, the new
secure school, Oakhill Secure Training Centre and HMYOI Wetherby.
In addition to recommendations on the most effective placements
options, the review will recommend resources and support required
so that staff are best equipped to meet girls' needs.
Minister for Youth Justice Sir said:
We must provide safety and security for children and young people
in custody. Where we place girls in the secure estate is vital to
this, and that's why I am commissioning an independent review
into current placement options for girls.
I'm delighted Susannah will take on this role. She brings
significant experience and insight from across the youth justice
system and will undertake a thorough, objective and
evidence-based review.
Susannah Hancock said:
Girls in custody are among some of the most vulnerable children
in the justice system as I have seen first-hand through my work
with the Youth Justice Board and in my earlier career in youth
justice.
This is a challenging area with no simple solution, but through
the course of this review I look forward to listening to and
learning from hardworking staff, girls in custody themselves,
partner agencies and the wider youth justice sector, to help
inform solutions.
Biography
Susannah is currently Chief Executive Officer of the National
Fire Chiefs Council and a Board Member of the Youth Justice
Board.
