England’s children’s commissioner calls for closure of young offender institutions

5 hours ago7 min read1 comments

Dame Rachel de Souza, England’s children’s commissioner, has issued a stark condemnation of the youth justice system, framing custody not as a measure of last resort but as a 'waiting room' for hundreds of children ensnared by systemic failure. Her call for the closure of all young offender institutions (YOIs) in England is rooted in a deeply troubling reality: these children are not incarcerated because they represent an imminent danger to society, but because the very support structures designed to rehabilitate and guide them—from mental health services and educational provision to adequate legal representation and social care—have catastrophically broken down.This isn't merely a policy failure; it is a profound human rights issue, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable young people from marginalized backgrounds who are being criminalized for the state's inability to provide care. Drawing parallels with historical child welfare reforms, one can see echoes of past struggles where institutional neglect was eventually met with public outrage and legislative action.The current situation, however, is uniquely grim, with a system that effectively punishes children for being failed by the state, locking them away in environments notorious for high rates of violence, self-harm, and recidivism, thereby perpetuating a vicious cycle of trauma and offending. Expert commentary from leading criminologists and child psychologists consistently underscores that secure children's homes, with their focus on therapeutic intervention and individualized education, offer a far more effective and humane alternative, yet political inertia and a punitive public discourse have stalled meaningful transition.The potential consequences of inaction are dire, condemning another generation to a pipeline from childhood adversity to adult imprisonment, while the broader implications touch upon the very character of a society that chooses cages over compassion for its youngest citizens. De Souza’s intervention is thus a critical, empathetic challenge to the political establishment, demanding a radical reimagining of youth justice that prioritizes healing and opportunity over containment and punishment.

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#young offender institutions

#youth justice

#prison reform

#children's commissioner

#failing services

#custody system