The Shocking Treatment of Vulnerable Girls in a Young Offenders’ Institution

Reports from watchdogs have revealed the appalling treatment of an “incredibly vulnerable” girl in a young offenders’ institution. This girl was held down and forcibly stripped by “multiple” male prison guards at YOI Wetherby in West Yorkshire. It is deeply disturbing to learn that this teenager had her clothes removed not once, but on two occasions, which raises serious concerns about the practices in place at this institution.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor expressed his shock at the findings, which were based on inspections conducted over a two-month period. The fact that officers had to intervene multiple times at night to prevent self-harm among girls at the institution is alarming. The very site had the highest rate of self-harm of any prison in the country, with three girls accounting for over half of the self-harm incidents in the past year. This represents a significant failure in the duty of care and responsibility towards these vulnerable young individuals.

One of the most concerning aspects highlighted in the report was the absence of female officers during incidents of restraining and stripping the vulnerable girl. While the officers claimed to be responding to a life-threatening situation, the trauma caused by multiple men pinning her down and removing her clothes cannot be overlooked. The lack of female officers on the premises, especially given the predictable behavior of the girl in question, is inexcusable. It is essential to have appropriate female staff present during such sensitive situations to prevent further trauma and ensure the safety and well-being of the girls.

The report also revealed that 24 children were strip-searched over the past year, with half of those searches taking place while the children were restrained. It is shocking to note that techniques causing pain to restrain children had been used nine times, despite being deemed inappropriate on each occasion by an independent review panel. This raises serious questions about the necessity and appropriateness of such measures, especially when dealing with vulnerable and at-risk young individuals.

While the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has defended the use of restraint in rare circumstances to prevent serious harm, it is evident that more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of children in custody. Custody should always be the last resort for children who commit crimes. There has been a significant decrease in the number of girls in youth custody since 2015, which is a positive development. However, the recent revelations about the treatment of vulnerable girls in young offenders’ institutions highlight the urgent need for reforms and improvements in the care and support provided to these individuals.

The shocking treatment of vulnerable girls in a young offenders’ institution is a stark reminder of the failings in the system and the urgent need for change. It is crucial to prioritize the safety, well-being, and rights of these young individuals, and to ensure that they are provided with the care and support they need to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society. The disturbing incidents at YOI Wetherby underscore the importance of addressing the systemic issues within the youth justice system and working towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all young people in custody.