CHILDREN in youth detention should have the same rights to early release and post-sentence support as adults, the chief probation officer has said.
In the 2024 annual report, Mike Cutland said the Probation and After-Care Service would continue to push for “mandatory post-custodial supervision” for all prisoners.
He added that he would ensure that any system introduced was “proportionate” and focused on “rehabilitation and public protection”.
The chief probation officer said that the same rules on remission – early release earned through good behaviour – should apply to children as they do for adults.
Mr Cutland said: “As a corporate parent, we are aware that it is important that children who serve sentences of youth detention at Greenfields are afforded the same opportunity as adults to gain remission. Work will continue to pursue this aim.”
It is important that children who serve sentences of youth detention at Greenfields are afforded the same opportunity as adults to gain remission
Chief probation officer Mike Cutland
His comments come after concerns have been raised about how Jersey treats some of its most vulnerable children in custody.
The JEP last month revealed that three children were being held at HMP La Moye in a section designated as a young offenders’ institution following damage to part of the Greenfields secure unit.
Children’s Commissioner Carmel Corrigan described the use of the adult prison as “very disappointing” and urged ministers to find a long-term solution that properly meets the needs of children.
While the annual report did not address these concerns, it did outline the service’s continued efforts in placing young people appropriately when detention is necessary.
Last year, the probation service prepared 38 pre-sentence reports for 34 young people – with aggression, peer pressure and alcohol misuse among the most common factors behind youth offending.
Every young person placed under supervision following a deferred decision at a Parish Hall Enquiry completed their period successfully, the report said.
