YOUTH justice is failing young people with institutions more violent than adult jails, prison officers said today.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) was responding to the Inspectorate of Prisons’ (IOP) annual review of five young offender institutions (YOI) in England and Wales, and Oakhill secure training centre (STC).

The review, published today said the outcomes for children in custody remain poor, with many saying they feel unsafe.

POA deputy general secretary Mick Pimblett said: “The POA has raised serious concerns about the current state of youth custody, particularly in young offender institutions and secure training centres.

“Youth custody settings are now considered more violent than adult prisons and assaults involving homemade weapons and group attacks are common.”

The annual review of survey responses from children in custody has revealed that many continue to feel unsafe, are failing to get an education and feel uncared for by staff.

The review found that children were locked up for too long in most establishments, with many unable to take part in any productive activity during their time in custody.

The POA said staff are often acting as human shields to protect vulnerable young people.

“Until this chaos is brought under control, the chances of rehabilitation are virtually zero in such an environment,” Mr Pimblett said.

The POA acknowledged that the youth justice population has reduced, but said “those incarcerated tended to have more complex needs and are often imprisoned for serious violence.”

IOP Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor said: “Outcomes continue to be worryingly poor and, in some cases, children’s perceptions of their time in custody have got worse.”

Howard League for Penal Reform chief executive Andrea Coomber said the “painfully upsetting” findings explain why “prison is no place for a child.”