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The YCS will operate under the same temporary guiding principles as the rest of the adult estate when it comes to carrying out the Governments’ instructions on social distancing, although it is important for children to continue to have social contact and therefore we are referring to “Physical distancing” instead. All non-essential activities and activities involving large groups of people or mass movement of children and young people have been ceased. Children and young people all have access to telephones in their rooms and have been provided with additional PIN credits free of charge.
Children and young people in custody are recognised as a particularly vulnerable group and additional safeguards should be considered where necessary. Human contact is especially important for children and young people, so this should be provided where possible and practicable.
The YCS must take steps to monitor, manage and mitigate the threat of significant numbers of staff and children and young people becoming infected with COVID 19 over a short period. This is so that safety and stability across the Children and Young People Secure Estate (CYPSE) can be maintained. Secure settings have a legal duty to safeguard the vulnerable children and young people held in their care. There is a high level of mental health disorder and neurodisability in this cohort of children and young people, and staff are required to pay particular attention to these needs to ensure there is no increase self-harm or suicide resulting from this extraordinary situation. It is also critical that our staff health and wellbeing are protected and supported.
The Youth Custody Service will shortly be providing detailed guidance to support all three sectors that provide Youth Detention Accommodation (Young Offender Institutions, Secure Training Centres and Secure Children’s Homes).
Whilst the below core principles apply to all children and young people in Secure Training Centres and Secure Children’s Homes they are out of scope of the broader operational guidance within this document.
Young Offender Institution (YOIs) under 18 sites
Before this guidance and any wider related guidance related to HMPPS response to COVID-19 is applied, the YOIs who hold children and young people need to ensure that any plans or implementation of guidance fit with YCS and NHSE&I core principles.
Core Principles:
- CONNECT: The single biggest risk to mental well-being is isolation and disconnection from others. In the Secure Estate, given the increased risks of social isolation at this time, it is essential we maximise opportunities for relational connection, whilst maintaining physical distance.
- Maintain Relevant Contacts: Priority should be given to ensuring children and young people can maintain contact with family and Youth Offending Team worker.
- Promote Physical Health: Maximise personal and hand hygiene.
- Provide as much fresh air as possible: Maintain good physical and mental health bymaximising physical activity and access to fresh air (in line with physical distancing guidance).
- Structure the day & create routine: Structure can be helpful especially when living with others, as it allows a sense of predictability and control. Establishing (or maintaining) a sense of routine is essential. Ensure regular timing for access to medication, including those who may have received a diagnosis of ADHD.
- Ensuring there are activities to do: The need for meaningful activity is paramount in protecting well-being and preventing challenging behaviour.
- Allocate or maintain meaningful roles: Where possible, allow young people to maintain or develop particular roles and responsibilities, either as individuals or groups. This may be as helpers, mentors, entertainers etc. Developing a respected role is important in maintaining purpose and belonging with others.
- Promote openness – Normalise anxiety and encourage children and young people to access support when they need it be particularly watchful over those that are withdrawn, quiet or find it difficult to ask for help.
- Crisis plan: Be pro-active in planning for those children and young people that you suspect may find periods of isolation or high stress particularly difficult. At each site the SECURE STAIRS multi-disciplinary team should be in place to identify and support those children who are most vulnerable. A Formulation and support plan will be critical in providing support.
- Coordinated YCS and NHSE&I Response: The Critical Case Panel has been extended to ensure support and advice is coordinated across the CYPSE via daily, weekly and monthly review processes in addition to the central Enhanced SECURE STAIRS team that has been mobilised across YCS, psychology and health.