Written question asked by Hilton Dawson (Labour) on Thursday, 13 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 January 2005. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 January 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the standard staff to child ratio is in (a) local authority secure units, (b) secure treatment centres and (c) young offenders institutions. - (Holding answer 19 January 2005).

Answer: Mr. Dawson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the standard staff to child ratio is in (a) local authority secure units, (b) secure treatment centres and (c) young offenders institutions. [209278] Paul Goggins :[holding answer 19 January 2005]: It is not possible to specify standard ratios because of the many variables involved. Examples of the variation in ranges are given as follows: In local authority secure children's homes, between one member of staff to two children and six staff to eight children. In secure training centres (STCs), between two staff to five to seven children and three staff to eight children. There are also custody officers on site to cover admissions, movements and supervision of visits. In juvenile young offender institutions (YOls) three to six staff to between 40 and 60 children on the wings; plus establishment reception, healthcare, instructional and education staff and personal and resettlement officers .

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 209278; 430 c294W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Young offenders Secure accommodation Secure training centres Ratios Young offender institutions
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk