CHS welcomes the Scottish Government’s announcement that people under the age of 18 will no longer be held in Young Offenders Institutions from the week beginning 2 September 2024.

The Scottish Government committed to ending the placement of under-18s in Young Offenders Institutions by the end of 2024, in line with its Vision for Justice in Scotland. The Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 25 April 2024 and became an Act on 4 June 2024, provides that under-18s will no longer be placed in Young Offenders Institutions, and should be accommodated in residential or secure accommodation instead. Accordingly, those under the age of 18 currently residing in Polmont would be relocated. Recent figures indicate that there are seven under-18s currently residing in Polmont.

The news follows a tragic event at Polmont Young Offenders Institution earlier this month, where Jonathan Beadle, a 17-year-old boy placed in YOI Polmont awaiting sentencing, died by suicide.

'Moving at pace' – Minister

Siobhan Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, stated: 'Plans are moving at pace to ensure commencement of these provisions as soon as possible and no later than during the week of 2 September, the week of parliament’s return from summer recess.

"There is also ongoing engagement with partners, including the Scottish Prison Service and secure care providers, to enable the transfer of those currently in Polmont in line with commencement of the provisions.'

Under-18 hearing referrals expected 2026

It should be noted that the majority of the provisions of the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024 will not be implemented for some time. The main provisions of the Act affecting the Children’s Hearings System, including the increase in the age of referral to the Principal Reporter, will not be implemented until a future date, currently expected to be in 2026.

CHS fully supports the ending of placements of under-18s in Young Offenders Institutions and is pleased to learn that a definitive date has been set to meet this important goal.