§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 8 November 2001 (WA 1078), what conclusions the Youth Justice Board has reached about providing independent lay representation to detained offenders aged under 18, on lines similar to those applying in Northern Ireland. [HL1062]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonSecure training centres (STC) and local authority secure units (LASU) operate good advocacy/representation schemes for all young persons placed there, provided by organisations such as Voice for the Child in Care.
Young offender institutions, currently rely on Board of Visitors to provide independent representation. However, the Youth Justice Board is also in discussion with the National Youth Advocacy Service about providing a separate pilot advocacy service; and is considering the scope for wider operation in Young Offender Institutions.