A recent report indicates that adolescents at the Feltham Young Offender Institution (YOI) are confined to their cells for up to 22 hours each day.
The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), responsible for overseeing conditions within the prison, observed a rising trend of inmates constructing and possessing weapons. Limited staffing resources have resulted in diminished access to educational opportunities for these youths.
Jane Shalders, chair of the IMB, expressed that it is “deeply troubling” that young individuals involved in knife-related offenses are spending crucial developmental years in incarceration while receiving minimal educational support.
The Ministry of Justice acknowledged that the IMB has recognized some advancements at the facility, but noted that “further improvements are necessary.”
The IMB, comprising independent individuals dedicated to reviewing inmate conditions, evaluated the YOI alongside the adjacent adult prison in Feltham from September 2023 to August 2024.
Ms. Shalders lamented the continuation of similar issues identified in the prior year, emphasizing that the lack of substantial progress is “disheartening.”
“With boys and men confined to their cells for such prolonged periods, especially on weekends, the chances of effective rehabilitation at Feltham are significantly diminished,” she remarked.
The IMB’s findings attributed many challenges to staff shortages, including maternity leave and the training of new personnel.
These observations follow a series of critical reports in recent years that have raised alarms about escalating violence within the institution.
The board reported that inmates at both facilities were spending a minimum of 22 hours daily in their cells, with YOI teenagers sometimes permitted outside for only an hour during the previous summer.
This situation is having a “serious effect on the mental health of the prisoners and their potential for rehabilitation,” the report stated.
Additionally, the IMB expressed concern that many children are receiving “very little” education, whereas the government mandates a minimum of 15 hours weekly.
Adult educational programs were described as “unfit for purpose,” leaving many men without adequate vocational training or job opportunities.
On a positive note, the report indicated that healthcare services on both premises were satisfactory.
The Howard League for Penal Reform characterized the report as “discouraging.”
Andrew Neilson, the organization’s director of campaigns, commented that YOIs like Feltham aren’t experiencing overcrowding, suggesting that the operational framework “should be more effective.”
He added, “Many of the young people entangled in this ineffective system should not be incarcerated at all, and certainly not in facilities like Feltham.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice remarked that improvements in education and security at Feltham have been implemented to enhance safety and reduce violence.
“Nonetheless, we acknowledge that there is still work to be done and will continue collaborating with staff in the upcoming months,” they stated.
