Although there was still much to commend at Parc, the
deterioration in safety and general standards needed to be
halted, said Peter Clarke, Chief Inspector of Prisons. Today he
published the report of an unannounced inspection of the young
offender institution in South Wales.
HMYOI Parc’s young people’s unit can hold up to 64 boys aged
under 18 and is located in the much larger Parc prison. It was
last inspected in January 2016 and at that time, and in keeping
with previous inspections, inspectors reported positively,
although some deterioration was noted. At this more recent
inspection, inspectors recorded further deterioration in safety
and in maintaining a respectful and decent environment.
Procedures and practice to support child protection and
safeguarding had worsened significantly. Safety in general
was not good enough.
Inspectors were concerned to find that:
- some 42% of boys said when surveyed that they felt victimised
by others and 60% felt victimised by staff, which is a
significant increase and worse than at comparable young offender
institutions;
- the number of assaults on staff had increased from two to 22
when compared to the six months prior to the previous
inspection;
- strategies, policies and initiatives existed which intended
to reduce violence and intimidation and promote positive
behaviour, but they were not applied consistently or
effectively;
- there was insufficient visible leadership on the unit and
staff, while generally caring, lacked authority or confidence;
- too many boys at risk of self-harm were left isolated and
alone in their cell;
- environmentally, standards and cleanliness were not good
enough; and
- the amount of time boys spent out of cell had worsened.
However, inspectors were pleased to find that:
- security procedures on the unit were proportionate and had
mitigated the influence of illegal drugs;
- health care services were mostly good;
- the delivery of learning and skills was starting to improve,
with good quality teaching and good achievements by boys;
- services to help boys resettle back into the community were
improving and planning for release was generally satisfactory;
and
- work with families was excellent.
Peter Clarke said:
“The young offender institution at Parc has over recent years
been one about which we have been very positive. Arguably it had
been one of the best of such institutions and had a number of
advantages, not least its small size. There remained still much
to commend, notably the provision of learning and skills and
resettlement services. The small number of boys held presented
significant individual and behavioural challenges. That said, the
deterioration in safety and general standards on the unit needed
to be reversed. Systems and procedures were in place but they
were not working. A firmer grip and visible leadership were
needed urgently. Staff needed guidance and support and greater
confidence in establishing their authority and exercising better
control over what was happening.”
Michael Spurr, Chief Executive of HM Prison and Probation
Service, said:
“The Director at Parc has taken firm action in response to the
Inspectorate’s findings.
“Both the custodial and teaching staff groups have been
strengthened and 70 staff have received additional training to
support them in working with children with complex needs. Since
the inspection took place there has been a reduction in the
number of incidents, fights and the use of restraint.
“As the Chief Inspector says, the regime at Parc has much to
commend it, but providing a safe and respectful environment is
crucial. Good progress has been made to address concerns and Parc
are working with partners including the Children’s Commissioner
for Wales’ Office to achieve sustained improvement”.
- ENDS -
Notes to editors:
- A copy of the full report, published on 18 April, can be
found on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons website
at: www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprisons
- HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent
inspectorate, inspecting places of detention to report on
conditions and treatment, and promote positive outcomes for those
detained and the public.
- HMYOI Parc’s young people’s unit holds up to 64 remanded and
convicted young people. It is operated by G4S and is inspected
annually.
- This unannounced inspection was carried out from 5-16
December 2016.
