About us
The Youth Custody Service aims to create a safe, decent and nurturing environment that provides outstanding levels of care and support for all children in custody.
What the YCS does
Established in September 2017 as a distinct part of HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the YCS is responsible for the operational running of (public sector) sites across youth secure estate, for children and young people between 10-17 in England and Wales. We are responsible for commissioning of services and contractual management of private sector sites, as well as placing children and young people remanded or sentenced to custody.
The youth secure estate is made up of five under 18 Young Offender Institutions, two Secure Training Centres and eight Secure Children’s Homes.
The YCS is dedicated to working with a wide range of central and local government partners and other agencies to improve the life chances for young people, bringing the child voice into service design and to learning from latest research and best practice.
Priorities
The ambitions of the YCS match those of the wider HMPPS, however, given the distinct and often complex needs of our young cohort, we interpret these principles specifically to the children and young people in our care.
The YCS aim to be a provider of high-quality children’s services, where skilled, enthusiastic staff have the tools and capability to work with children in order to meet their individual needs, so that they are better able to lead rewarding, constructive lives upon their release.
We want to ensure that children in custody are protected from being harmed and prevented from causing harm; that youth custody is an educational and supportive environment, helping to reduce risky behaviour and improve the life chances upon release.
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