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  1. What we found

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Children on short-term remand

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Children on short-term remand (PDF, 1.4 MB)

A thematic review by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, May 2026

What we found (Back to top)

Between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025, 190 children were remanded to custody before subsequently being bailed, with over half held in young offender institutions, where levels of violence remain higher than in any adult prison. Almost half of the remanded children spent just two weeks or less in custody, and these short stays meant they received little or no access to meaningful education or support.

The report highlights the cases of 25 children, all of whom were taken into custody for seven days or less. Most were in custody for the first time, few were given clear information about why they were being held, and some said they were confused and scared. Many were vulnerable and had complex needs, including neurodivergent conditions, previous experience of trauma, and experience of being in local authority care.

Read the press release in full