Secure Accommodation, STC’s, YOI’s

Secure Accommodation

In all cases, after talking to the Youth Offending Service (YOS) and/or local authority, the Youth Justice Board decides where to send a young person based on their:

  • age

  • individual needs

  • risks and personal circumstances.

There are 3 types of secure accommodation in which a young person can be placed:

  • Secure Training Centres

  • Young Offender Institutions

  • secure children's homes.

Secure Training Centres are purpose-built for young offenders up to the age of 17. Vulnerable young people live in a secure environment and have up to 25 hours of education and rehabilitation to help prevent re-offending.

Young Offender Institutions accommodate 15 to 21-year-olds. 15 to 17-year-olds are held in units that are completely separate from older offenders.

Secure Children's homes are generally used to accommodate young offenders aged 12 to 14, girls up to the age of 16, and 15 to 16-year-old boys who are assessed as vulnerable. They provide young people with support tailored to their individual physical, emotional and behavioural needs.
 

Your Rights

You should receive information about the rules very shortly after you arrive.

Staff should take your views seriously and involve you in making and reviewing plans about you, including what will happen on release.

Advocates from Barnardo’s and Voice visit children and young people in custody – their job is to make sure your rights are understood and followed. You have the same rights to be protected from abuse and other bad treatment as children and young people living at home.

You should be told when an inspection is taking place and you may get the chance to speak with an inspector or be given a survey to fill out.