Howard League report on youth justice and child custody in Jersey

The publication of the report from the Howard League for Penal Reform yesterday failed to excite much interest yesterday. It seems that if there are no cellars or shackles in the story the press does now want to know.

The Community Care website does have the story:

Although young people at the island's secure children's home, Greenfields, did not feel unsafe at the time of the inquiry, former residents reported "highly credible evidence" of "abusive" experiences.

The Howard League report said: "Staff and young people told us that practices going back many years have given cause for serious concern. Particular concern was expressed in relation to practices relating to isolation, single separation or solitary confinement that could be regarded as abusive."

The organisation found that "a culture of fear and intimidation" prevented some staff speaking out, although this view was not shared by all. "Whatever the truth of these perceptions, we believe that these kind of difficulties have serious consequences for the care of children," the report said.

Meanwhile, Stuart Syvret has 37 questions for those who have rubbished the investigation at Haute de la Garenne.