April 19, 2005: Howard League Inquiry on Children in Prison

A year after the death of 15 year old, Gareth Myatt, who died whilst being restrained by staff at Rainsbrook secure training centre, The Howard League for Penal Reform has today called for evidence as part of a major national independent Inquiry into the treatment of children in penal institutions led by Lord Carlile of Berriew QC. The Inquiry's terms of reference are:

"To investigate the use of physical restraint, solitary confinement and forcible strip searching of children in prisons, secure training centres and local authority secure children's homes and to make recommendations."

The Inquiry was established as a result of the Howard League's concern about the use of physical restraint, solitary confinement and strip-searching of children. The death of Gareth Myatt whilst being restrained by staff was the impetus for launching the Inquiry.

The Inquiry team would like to hear the experiences of people working in prisons, secure training centres and local authority secure children's homes, from young people who have recently spent time in any of these institutions, their families and legal and other professionals who would like to contribute.

The deadline for submission of evidence is 31st May, 2005. The report is expected to be published towards the end of the year.