Question to the Ministry of Justice:

What assessment his Department has made of the effect on children in custody of the covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

We are very sensitive of the difficulties many children in custody will be having as a result of Covid-19, and the measures taken to protect children and staff.

There has been a focus on delivering essential activities (including regular phone calls, with additional free phone credits allocated). ‘SECURE STAIRS’ - the integrated framework of care jointly led by NHS England and NHS Improvement and the Youth Custody Service - has adapted its approach to meet the needs of children at this time, whilst adhering to physical distancing.

I am pleased that, following completion of ‘youth-specific’ Exceptional Delivery Models, ‘face to face’ education and visits are commencing this week at our public sector Young Offender Institutions, as part of Covid-19 recovery work.