A Response to the HMIP Inspection: Children on Short-Term Remand
The Ministry of Justice has published its action plan responding to HMIP’s thematic review of children held on short-term remand, committing to reduce unnecessary custodial remands by 25% by July 2029.
Details
The HMIP report (27 May 2026) found that many children with no prior custody experience were held on remand for under two weeks before being released on bail or to local authority care. This caused unnecessary disruption to their lives and diverted resources from other children in custody.
Key measures in the Government’s response include:
- Reformed remand funding formula (April 2026) removing financial penalties for local authorities investing in community placements
- £5 million grant funding over 2026/27–2028/29 for the Alternatives to Youth Custodial Remand Programme
- Joint MoJ and Home Office project examining appropriate use of remand for children, due April 2027
- DfE expanded fostering hubs (September 2026) coordinating remand fostering regionally
- Specialist training requirements for criminal lawyers representing children, recommendations due Summer 2026
Commentary
While the government's response acknowledges the harm caused by short-term custodial remand, the timelines attached to several commitments, stretching to 2027 and 2029, may be of concern to practitioners and child rights advocates. The funding reforms and regional partnership approach may help address the longstanding shortage of suitable community placements. Practitioners should monitor the implementation of these commitments and be prepared to advocate for bail or community alternatives using the strengthened framework. The specialist legal training initiative may also improve the quality of advocacy for children at remand hearings. However, whether these measures will achieve the ambitious 25% reduction target remains to be seen, and continued scrutiny will be essential to ensure meaningful change for children in the justice system.