BPS responds to child prison reforms report
The BPS responds to a new review of government pledges to reform child prisons.
16 August 2024
Eight children's rights and youth justice charities have published a review of government pledges to reform child prisons.
Responding to the report "Why child imprisonment is beyond reform: A review of the evidence", Dr Geraldine Akerman, a chartered member of the British Psychological Society's Division of Forensic Psychology said:
"This report confirms that the child prison system is simply not fit for purpose in its current form and reform is desperately needed. It is deeply saddening to read of the psychological harm caused to the children and young people who are in prison.
"Imprisonment for children should only ever be the last possible measure when all other preventative deterrents have been explored. When in the system, specialist psychological support must be readily available to facilitate their rehabilitation.
"Additionally, children with serious mental illness should be in hospital settings rather than in prison. Government must improve the processes to transfer people from Courts and Prisons to ensure people are appropriately placed for recovery and rehabilitation.
"Reforming the Mental Health Act, which is long overdue, will be vital to achieving this."