Experts call for young offender institutions to be replaced with therapeutic support

Leading youth justice organisations are calling for a fundamental shift in how children involved in the justice system are supported, with growing pressure to move away from Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) in favour of therapeutic, child-centred approaches.

The discussion has gained momentum following evidence submitted to MPs as part of the Justice Committee’s inquiry into children and young people in custody. Experts from the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies and the Centre for Young Lives have argued that the current youth custody system is failing many children and does not adequately address the underlying causes of offending behaviour.

Campaigners and sector leaders are urging government to invest more heavily in therapists, youth workers, mental health specialists and community-based support services, rather than relying on secure institutional settings. They argue that many children in the youth justice system have experienced trauma, adverse childhood experiences, exclusion from education, family instability and unmet mental health needs.

Concerns about safety and outcomes within YOIs have been raised consistently over recent years, with reports highlighting issues including violence, self-harm, poor mental wellbeing and limited opportunities for meaningful rehabilitation.

Advocates for reform believe a more relational and therapeutic model would better support children to recover from trauma, build positive relationships and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. The approach reflects the growing emphasis across children’s services on trauma-informed practice, early intervention and restorative approaches.

The Centre for Young Lives has previously called for a “child-first” justice system that recognises children involved in offending as vulnerable young people who require support, stability and trusted relationships. Similarly, youth justice researchers have pointed to evidence showing that punitive approaches are often less effective than community-based interventions focused on emotional wellbeing, education and family support.

The parliamentary inquiry is expected to continue examining whether current custody arrangements are fit for purpose and what future models of support for children in conflict with the law should look like.

Professionals across children’s services, youth work and early help sectors are likely to follow the findings closely, particularly as demand continues to grow for preventative and therapeutic support for vulnerable adolescents.