Committees

Children and Young Adults in the Secure Estate

Inquiry

The Justice Committee has launched an inquiry into children and young adults in the secure estate in England and Wales to determine if the current system effectively prevents offending while upholding a "child-first" approach. The inquiry will scrutinise the various types of secure settings and the suitability and safety of these environments.

We will explore the drivers behind high levels of self-harm, poor mental health and the use of physical restraint. This inquiry will also consider the transition of young people into the adult estate upon turning 18.

We will also examine whether the current adult prison environment is appropriate for meeting the developmental, welfare and rehabilitative needs of young adults aged 18 to 25.

Read the Call for Evidence to learn more about this Inquiry.

This inquiry is no longer accepting evidence

The deadline for submissions was 11:59pm on 13 March 2026.

Upcoming events

View all events

No upcoming events scheduled

Past events

Tuesday 8 September 2026
2:00pm Private
2:30pm Public
Children and Young Adults in the Secure Estate - Oral evidence 8 September 2026
2:30pm
  • Laura Cooper (Youth Justice Lawyer at Youth Justice Legal Centre)
  • Steph Roberts-Bibby (Chief Executive at Youth Justice Board for England and Wales)
3:30pm
  • Dame Rachel de Souza (Children's Commissioner at Children's Commissioner for England)
Room 15, Palace of Westminster
Tuesday 21 April 2026
2:00pm Private
2:30pm Public
Children and Young Adults in the Secure Estate - Oral evidence 21 April 2026
2:30pm
  • Mark Scott (Governor of HMYOI Wetherby at HM Prison and Probation Service)
  • Phil Wragg (Director of Oakhill Secure Training Centre at G4S)
  • Rachel Ashurst (Service Manager, Barton Moss Secure Children's Home at Secure Children's Homes)
The Grimond Room, Portcullis House

Contact us

We receive a significant number of emails each day. All requests and invitations are considered but we do not respond directly to everyone. Please be aware, the committee does not look at individual cases or specific complaints.