CHILDREN in youth custody say they are more likely to be restrained than cared for or well treated by staff, according to a damning report by inspectors. 

A survey into the experiences of child offenders found less than half — 41 per cent — felt cared for in their establishment, while 65 per cent said they had been physically restrained. 

Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said the survey results described a “disturbing” and “grim reality” of violence, self-harm and long periods of time locked in cells. 

More than half of the 613 children surveyed at eight young offenders institutions in England and Wales said they were likely to reoffend again despite spending time behind bars.  

The majority of responses were from those aged 15 to 17 and 97 per cent were boys. Children also reported continued limitations on time spent outside, with most unable to play sport even once a week. 

The report found these problems were exacerbated for black and ethnic minority children, who make up more than half of those in youth custody. 

Mr Taylor said: “Without further reductions in violence and restraint, and a greater focus on education and resettlement, the Youth Custody Service will continue to struggle to provide adequately for the children in its care.”

The children’s experiences were recorded by the Inspectorate of Prisons between April 2019 and March 2020. 

Campaigners said child experiences in youth custody have worsened since the survey was taken due to Covid restrictions preventing visits and resulting in young inmates being held in near solitary confinement in some institutions. 

Prison Reform Trust director Peter Dawson said: “This damning report describes conditions for imprisoned children that predate the pandemic. It shows a third of children not able to shower once a day.

“Most of these teenagers couldn’t even play sport once a week. More than two out of every five had been bullied. And in a system where over half come from an ethnic minority, the colour of your skin led to an even worse experience across almost every aspect of daily life inside.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said that the number of children in youth offender institutions has fallen by 70 per cent in the past 10 years. 

“Since this survey was carried out, self-harm incidents and assaults across the youth estate have fallen by 17 per cent and 39 per cent respectively,” he added.