Today’s HMI Prisons report shows how YOIs are failing to build trust between children and staff. Custody must only ever be a last resort, and when used, must prioritise children's wellbeing. It’s time to close YOIs & invest in Secure Children’s Homes. Comment piece: www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...

Our CEO, Jess Mullen, featured on C5 News discussing youth custody. There wasn’t space for everything we shared — but here’s the key point: The MoJ must commit to closing YOIs & STCs, and set out a long-term vision where custody is a last resort for children. 🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qMb...

NEW: The View — reflections and updates from our CEO Jess Mullen. It’s been a busy start to 2025: • Joint statement opposing PAVA in the children’s secure estate • Members’ meeting with Sir Nic Dakin MP • Published 'Adultifying Youth Custody' And more to come. 🔗 www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...

The decision to arm YOI staff with PAVA spray is dangerous, unjustified, and risks deepening disparities already in the system. 37 orgs agree: the answer is not more force—it’s more support. Custody must be a last resort. Read the full statement here: 🔗 www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...

We had a productive members' meeting with the Minister for Youth Justice @nicdakinmp.bsky.social yesterday. Thank you to everybody who attended and brought their questions!