The Youth Custody Service (YCS) is responsible for the operation of the youth secure estate for children and young people aged 10 -17 across England and Wales. It is part of HM Prison and Probation Service.
The YCS main functions are:
- Ensuring the effective operation of public sector sites across the youth secure estate, including:
- four Young Offender Institutions for children and young persons under 18;
- one Secure Training Centre;
- eight Secure Children’s Homes; and
- one Secure School.
- Commissioning services and managing contracts in relation to private sector sites.
- Placing children and young people remanded or sentenced to custody to the appropriate public or private sector establishment.
The YCS aims to create a safe, decent and nurturing environment that provides care and support for children in custody.
When assessing where to place children and young people in custody, the YCS will consider factors such as:
- any welfare concerns or other vulnerabilities for the child;
- the child’s age;
- the child’s sex and gender;
- the child's home
Professionals can make representations to the YCS Placement Team to influence where a child they are working with is placed. The Youth Justice Board have published guidance in relation to the custody and resettlement of children and young people.