Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 13 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 15 June 2007. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 25 June 2007 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Juvenile Justice Centre

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) attempted suicides and (b) self-harm incidents were recorded for juveniles at the Juvenile Justice Centre in each of the last three years.

Answer: The threat of suicide in custody is prevalent and the Juvenile Justice Centre operates a system of risk assessment to detect and manage suicidal and self-harm tendencies in young people. There have been no serious attempts at suicide in the last three years. Information relating to incidents of self-harm is recorded on individual case files and is not centrally co-ordinated. All incidents of self-harm, whether threatened or real, are treated seriously and intervention and support procedures exist to minimise the risk of recurrence and to ensure the continuing safety of young people at the centre.

Secondary information