GIRLS in custody are 12 times more likely to self-harm than boys and more likely to be restrained, a damning review by prison and education watchdogs has found. 

The report by HMI Prisons, HMI Probation, Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales, published today, warns that the national custody system is “failing” vulnerable girls. 

The inspectorates identified “very concerning” safety issues particularly around self-harm and the use of restraint. Of the 17 girls included in the review, 14 had self-harmed prior to or during their time in custody.