Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to page 21 of the report entitled Childhood in the time of Covid, published by the Children's Commissioner in September 2020, what steps he is taking to reverse the decline in advocacy referrals by people in the youth custodial estate.

Ensuring the wellbeing of children in custody is of the upmost importance, especially during a period of unprecedented challenge. The Youth Custody Service (YCS) is committed to working with Barnardo’s to deliver an advocacy model that best meets the needs of children and young people, while taking account of the need to reduce the risk of spreading the Covid-19 virus. As an on-demand service, it is important that children are aware of the service and how to access provision. As such, there has been regular communication and information to children to advise them of service delivery during the COVID-19 period, with further communications shared with Governors and Directors detailing the revised service and protocols which include a safeguarding protocol.

To ensure the distinct needs of children in custody are met, the YCS, working with colleagues from NHS England & NHS Improvement, has developed a set of youth-specific Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs), with priority given to education and physical education, visits and advocacy. The advocacy EDM was implemented across all under 18 Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) and Secure Training Centres across July and August.

The YCS discusses referral trends directly with the provider to ensure there is a consistent service, and will continue to do so. Since the return of advocates to sites, internal data indicates referrals to the service have increased. Advocates continue to check in with every wing. They are able to have direct contact with young people in their rooms using the in-room telephony service where available, and arrange to meet face-to-face as required. Regular review meetings have continued to take place between Governors and Directors and Barnardo’s.