CHILDREN are too often being held in custody while awaiting trial or sentencing, HM Inspectorate of Prisons has warned.

Some are being remanded even when professionals believe they could be safely and more cost-effectively managed in the community, the watchdog says in a report published today.

Of the 190 children remanded to custody before subsequently being bailed in the year ending July 31 2025, more than half were held in young offender institutions, where levels of violence remain higher than in any adult prison, the report finds.

The rest spent just two weeks or less in custody with little or no access to meaningful education or support.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said: “While custodial remand is an essential part of any justice system, two out of every five children in custody are now on remand. Well over a half of these children do not go on to receive a custodial sentence.

“This is the latest in a series of reports since 2022 that have outlined the problems facing children held on remand, and in that time little has changed. 

“There is a clear need for action. The Ministry of Justice should listen to and support the enthusiasm of those working in this area for change. 

“Recent commitments as part of the youth justice white paper are an encouraging first step, and we will be watching closely for early signs of progress.”

Howard League for Penal Reform chief executive Andrea Coomber KC said: “Prison is a toxic place for children, and spending even a few days in that environment can be terrifying and profoundly damaging. 

“Although remand should always be a last resort, too many children are being sent there by the courts and being punished for the mistakes of services who ought to be helping them. 

“The majority of children placed on remand and bailed within seven days or fewer are placed in a young offender institution, where they experience long periods locked behind their doors with very little to do.

“This will never help children to grow and lead productive lives as adults. Only smaller, more intensive settings can meet the needs of children who require secure accommodation.”