§ Mr. DawsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he intends to improve the protection of children held in prison custody. [75346]
§ Hilary BennImprovements in the protection of children held in prison custody are being taken forward by the development of child protection policy and 621W practice, involving co-operation between the Prison Service, the Youth Justice Board and social services, as well as a range of community-based charities.
Considerable progress has already been made. Through the revision of the child protection protocol and the policy set out in the relevant Prison Service order, the relationship between young offender institutions holding juveniles and their local Area Child Protection Committees (ACPC) have been greatly improved with most governors now having representation on the local ACPC.
Each YOI in the juvenile estate has appointed a child protection co-ordinator (and deputy) and has established a child protection committee within the establishment, with some having representation on that committee from the local ACPC, police and other relevant agencies.
A child protection training programme has been developed for all staff within the juvenile estate.