Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent progress HM Prisons and Probation Service has made on reviewing its screening processes for learning difficulties and disabilities in the youth secure estate.

Children and young people who may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities are referred to their site’s special educational needs co-ordinator for screening. Any findings will be reflected in children and young people’s custody support plans, which will be amended and shared with all teachers and professionals that work with them during their time in custody.

If a child enters custody with pre-existing concerns or diagnoses, the site’s special educational needs co-ordinator will also liaise with youth offending team workers in the community, to ensure that their education, health, and care plans are updated; and that any further screening outcomes are recorded and shared with relevant stakeholders.