Just for Kids Law, Children's Rights Alliance for England, Article 39 and others wrote to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland QC MP urging the release of children from prison wherever possible.
Carolyne Willow, Article 39’s Director, said:
“Children need to be with their families or in care settings where their health and well-being can be secured and their fears and questions answered. It’s unconscionable that in a global pandemic a civilised society would keep hundreds of children incarcerated in institutions which in normal times are unable to keep them properly fed, safe and occupied. But this is not just about protecting children from serious harm; we’re also extremely worried about the risks to prison staff, their families and the wider community. These exceptional times demand standout political leadership across all parts of government: children who can be safely looked after in the community must be released.”
The Independent reported on the joint letter here.
Download and read the letter in full below.