MINISTERS have assured that a “long-term solution” is being sought for children in the youth justice system – after the JEP revealed that part of La Moye prison had been designated as a young offenders institution.
Last month, the government confirmed that a “suitable” area of HMP La Moye was being used “in order to meet young people’s needs at this time”.
Children’s Commissioner Carmel Corrigan described the situation as “very disappointing” and urged ministers to find “a long-term solution”.
At the time, she said that there were three children in the Island’s adult prison – and warned that the situation would “inevitably arise again if the relevant law, policy and practice remains unchanged”.
In response to a follow-up query from the JEP, Children’s Minister Richard Vibert and Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat confirmed that publication of the long-awaited “youth justice roadmap” was due within “weeks”.
The document, which will outline how the government plans to enforce youth justice and rehabilitate child offenders, as well as keeping them out of the criminal justice system where possible, was initially planned for release in January. In April, Ministers said it would be published imminently, pending a meeting with Ms Corrigan.
In a joint statement, Children’s Minister Richard Vibert and Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat said: “The Government is actively working towards a long-term solution for children in the youth justice system, including the development of a youth justice roadmap, which is due for publication in the coming weeks.”
The statement continued: “We are not able to comment on individual cases, but in the rare circumstances when it is necessary for young people to be placed at La Moye, they are subject to regular review on an ongoing basis to ensure that their needs are met.”
