Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many keep apart instructions were issued in HM YOI (a) Cookham Wood, (b) Feltham, (c) Parc, (d) Werrington and (e) Wetherby in each of the last 12 months.

Because of the way in which the data are compiled, it is not possible to provide the information in the form requested.

Non-association alerts are used as a means of improving the safeguarding of children and young people in young offender institutions in the public sector youth estate. Such alerts should only be issued after appropriate consideration, and where there is an identified need. Where an alert has been issued, the child or young person is able to mix with other children and young people in their residential units and in education.

A “snapshot” taken on 25 March 2024 shows the following numbers and percentages of children and young people at each young offender institution in the public sector youth estate who were assessed as needing to be kept apart from one or more other children or young people in the establishment owing to safeguarding concerns. The decisions are often made at the request of the child or young person who is the subject of the non-association alert.

HMYOI Cookham Wood:
46 of 58 children (79.3 per cent)

HMYOI Feltham A:
68 of 82 children (82.9 per cent)

HMYOI Werrington:
57 of 68 children (83.8 per cent)

HMYOI Wetherby:
106 of 149 children (71.1 per cent)

These figures are taken from operational oversight data.

HMYOI Parc, which is operated under contract, is not included in these arrangements.

The YOI population has decreased significantly – from 1,998 in the year to 31 March 2010 to 332 in the year to 31 March 2023. The cohort we now have in the YOI sector of the youth estate – overwhelmingly young men – present many complex issues, however 70 per cent were sentenced to custody for a violent offence. Our staff work hard to diffuse conflict and reduce violence, both between prisoners and against members of staff.