Although it is now more than six years since Adam Rickwood died, the YJB deeply regrets his death and we would like to take this opportunity to once again express our condolences to Mrs Pounder and her family for their tragic loss.
The YJB is grateful for the thoroughness of the Coroner’s investigation into the issues surrounding Adam’s death.
The YJB unequivocally accepts the verdict brought by the jury today. We welcome the coroner’s acknowledgment that the YJB systems in place today are clearly ‘incomparably better than they were’.
Since Adam died in 2004, the circumstances in which children are accommodated in secure training centres (STCs) have changed dramatically. For example, we have:
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reduced the use of restraint
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substantially reduced the numbers of pain distractions used
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trained staff working in STCs who are completely clear on the legal basis for restraint – used only as a last resort and never for punishment.
In addition, a substantial range of improved measures are now in place for safeguarding children and young people in STCs:
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Strengthening of YJB monitoring and governance arrangements for every STC.
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Specially trained YJB monitors based within each STC.
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Independent voluntary sector advocacy services – young people can voice concerns or make complaints.
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All centres are linked to children protection procedures which are used by local authorities to investigate harm.
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Ofsted routinely inspect STCs to certify they provide an environment that promotes safety and welfare and the highest standards of social and health care, education and training.
Given the very special needs of some of the young people in custody we continuously seek to improve all aspects of care and are never complacent about the need to make further changes.
The Government has already independently reviewed restraint, with medical experts, and a new method of restraint is due to be introduced in this summer.
John Drew, chief executive of the YJB, said:
“Keeping young people in custody safe is our highest priority. We have made huge progress in this area since 2004. As a result there have been dramatic reductions in the use of restraint and in the risk of injuries to young people in custody. There is always more that can be done to improve things and we will study the verdict carefully with this in mind.”
Notes to editors
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The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales. We work to prevent offending and reoffending by children and young people under the age of 18, and to ensure that custody for them is safe, secure, and addresses the causes of their offending behaviour.
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Specifically, we advise the Secretary of State for Justice on the operation of, and standards for, the youth justice system; monitor the performance of the youth justice system; purchase places for, and place, children and young people remanded or sentenced to custody; identify and promote effective practice; make grants to local authorities or other bodies to support the development of effective practice; commission research and publish information.
