This campaign has now closed
Big push to end the use of prison for young girls. Strategy includes a high level commission, public and parliamentary campaign, action research, participation of and support for girls Howard League succeeded in getting 15 & 16 year old girls out of prison ten years ago, still too many in custody.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
104 girls aged 13 to 17 in penal custody today, on remand or sentenced. Our evidence is that they are sent to prison inappropriately - Howard League lawyers are representing two of the 11 girls sentenced for "serious" crimes to appeal, one given life for biting another girl during a fight. Prison and secure training centres use restraint, have poor food and exercise, girls cut themselves.
Solution
Change national and local policy and practice. National guidelines and legislation would restrict use of prison for girls. Local authorities should improve provision and support for girls. Police and courts would improve practice. End use of prison and only restrict custody to small local authority units for extreme cases.