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STRAP: Charity warns that money row means vulnerable black youngsters not getting support

CHILDREN’S CHARITY Banardo’s has warned that children in custody are at increased risk of suicide and self harm because of a money row between the Youth Justice Board and local authorities.

According to the charity, half of the UK’s Young Offenders Institutions (YOIs) do not have social worker positions because the Youth Justice Board will no longer provide any more funding for the posts and argued that local authorities must find the cash.

Enver Solomon, Assistant Director of Policy and Research at Barnardo’s told The Voice that many vulnerable young adults, especially those from minority ethnic communities, were being deprived of an important source of emotional support because of the move.

“Social workers in Young Offenders Institutions play an important role in safe guarding and supporting the most vulnerable children who are at the most risk from self-harm and suicide” he said “The fact that the posts have remained vacant in half of our Young Offenders Institutions will mean those children who need the support aren’t getting it and therefore they are at heightened risk.”

According to recent figures, approximately one in three of 15-18 year olds in YOIs are from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and Solomon said he was worried about the impact of the cuts on this group in particular.

“We are concerned about it and feel that it should be resolved immediately,” he said. “We want the local authorities to step up and fund these posts as was the initial agreement and expectation. The money should be found. Its not that much money and the posts should be filled.”

Published: 31 December 1979
Issue: 1413

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