NCJ Number
172297
Date Published
1995
Length
115 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings and recommendations of the British Howard League Commission of Inquiry into Violence in Penal Institutions for Young People Under 18, which began its work on May 10, 1994.
Abstract
The commission's mandate was to investigate the level, kind, and causes of violence in penal institutions for children and youth up to the age of 18, including prisons, local authority secure accommodation, and youth treatment centers. Further, it was to recommend ways to prevent violence inside such institutions and prevent the abuse of children and youth. The commission defined "violence" to include all forms of bullying, fighting, intimidation, and abuse by youth or staff. Commissioners made a series of 1-day visits to 16 prisons, 11 local authority secure units, and the 2 youth treatment centers. During these visits, commissioners interviewed management, staff, and youth about their differing experiences and perspectives of violent behavior. The report concludes that the nature of prison life breeds bullying, and violence and aggression are entrenched as normal behavior; those not inclined to violence before entering prison are forced to use it in order to survive. There were record levels of suicide and self-harm in 1994. This is a product of overcrowding, the failure of key elements of the Prison Service's self-harm and suicide-prevention policy, and the increasing levels of violence and alienation that affect young inmates. The commission recommends that secure accommodation be used as a last resort for those youth whose offenses or alleged offenses are so serious that only custody is sufficient for public protection. In all other cases, noncustodial alternatives should be used. Appended data on admission of 15-year-olds into the prison system for 1990-94 and key legislation and international agreements, as well as a 28-item bibliography