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Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland: Report for 1999-2000

3.9 Young Offenders Institutions (North and East)

HMYOI Glenochil as at February 1999 (Formal inspection due in November 2000 so no intermediate inspection in 2000 to provide updated general assessment: previous formal inspection February 1996)

HMYOI Polmont as at 8 December 1999 (previous formal inspection November 1994)

It was encouraging to note that separate Strategic Plans had been prepared for the two establishments within Glenochil, which recognised the existence of different needs and priorities as well as identifying issues which were common to both. Specifically as regards the YOI, work was continuing on establishing a clearer sense of purpose for it within the YO system, pending the development of a national strategy for managing this particular group. Changes were also being introduced to the management structure and systems in the YOI to make better use of the range of skills available. Key elements in this process were the delivery of training for staff on the nature of adolescence and a recognition that managing a population of short term, category 'C' YOs requires particular skills.⁶

The facilities in the YOI reflected the lack of investment and the low priority which has been given to YOs generally. It was heartening to note, therefore, that detailed plans had been prepared and bids submitted which, if approved, would enable a much more purposeful, structured and innovative regime to be developed and delivered by staff. The formation of a Steering Group consisting of the Deputy Governor, the Prisoner Activities and Services Manager and the YOI Unit Manager would also allow lessons learned in one area to be applied elsewhere within the establishment.

This was the first follow-up visit since the formal inspection of May 1998 and having previously been critical of the piles of rubbish lying around, we were struck immediately by the great improvement in standards of cleanliness, most particularly in Spey and Argyll Halls. This welcome change had largely been brought about by the fitting of either grilles or restrictors to the cell windows. With YOs now unable to throw material out of them, this was a simple but effective measure that also was reducing the passage of contraband.

Having been even more critical of the impersonal way in which some staff were previously treating YOs, we were further encouraged to note a much improved atmosphere of cooperation, mutual respect and humour across the establishment. Credit for this very significant shift is due to the Governor, his Management Team and to all members of staff.

We were also pleased to note there had been progress in establishing and developing partnerships and liaison with several agencies with a special interest in YOs, including Apex and the Prince's Trust. We were disappointed, however, to note that Polmont had not been more actively involved in the Government's "New Deal" initiative. We were also disappointed to discover that the psychologist had resigned. The Governor acknowledged the significant contribution he had made to the development of a more focussed and coherent approach to how young offenders might be managed more effectively and which recognised the distinctions between adults and adolescents. Separately, it was pleasing to observe that the innovative Rannoch Hall regime that had been established for those under 18 who were serving their first custodial sentence was being further developed. Its ongoing success will continue to rely on specially selected and trained staff, an approach which we believe should be applied more widely throughout the Institution. Indeed, the development of selection procedures for staff to work with adolescents continues to be our main recommendation and forms the cornerstone of how we believe the SPS should deal with YOs in future.

Notwithstanding the many other changes and improvements that were apparent, a large proportion of YOs were still not engaged in purposeful activity and were spending much of their time idle behind their cell doors. This apparently intractable problem would seem to be caused by the requirement for significant numbers of YOs to be escorted to courts to answer outstanding charges. In order for this to be done, staff have to be taken off posts in worksheds to escort the individuals to court, often in fairly remote locations, to appear for a pleading diet. (This is also a burden at Glenochil YOI.) Nevertheless, the recently announced rationalisation of the SPS estate is expected to provide a temporary pool of staff from those establishments that are scheduled for closure. Consideration could therefore be given to deploying them on court escort duties, pending a general revision of arrangements. In addition, if alternative arrangements cannot be agreed with the courts, modern technology in the form of video links might be explored as a means of reducing some of the daily movement turbulence.

Whilst the apparent amount and nature of drug misuse continues to compare favourably with that found in other SPS establishments, there was some evidence that disturbing changes in drug taking behaviour in the community were now being reflected in the Institution. We suggest, therefore, that every opportunity is taken to influence the attitudes and behaviour of YOs towards drugs and alcohol, as successful intervention at an early stage could reduce the amount of future crime and thereby divert them away from custody. The appropriate resources are still not in place, however, for this opportunity to be fully grasped - for example, while the need for effective co-ordination at the establishment has been recognised, no high level appointment has yet been authorised.

The Health Centre continues to provide a high standard of care, though we have included a number of further suggestions for improvement [at Section 3 of this intermediate inspection report]. In addition, we were satisfied with the way the anti-suicide strategy was being followed, though a number of staff still have to be trained in some of its procedures.

On a more strategic note, we acknowledge that the Prisons Board have recently endorsed the principles outlined in its policy framework document, "Intervention and Integration". These recognise that YOs have different needs and require a different approach to the way long term adult male prisoners are managed. Equally, it would appear that a lack of priority is being afforded to the detailed development and implementation of a YO policy. This continues to be a major constraint on progress at Polmont.

A new houseblock had been recommended in our formal report but it became evident during our visit that work on this project was still at a very early stage. Completion is scheduled for Autumn 2001, when it is thought that Spey and Argyll Halls will be retained, pending a rebuild of Glenochil YOI. Nevertheless, consideration might also be given to the permanent transfer of Glenochil YOs, as further development of the Polmont site would take advantage of its central location and ease of access. This rationalisation might also better support the development and evaluation of an induction process which could then inform the creation of discrete regimes to meet the needs of all YOs, including long termers. Additionally, it would provide a much needed focal point for co-operation and closer working with agencies and other organisations to deliver a coherent throughcare system - a particular need which has frequently been identified for YOs. Equally, such advantages would have to be weighed carefully against some of the difficulties involved in holding some 700 YOs together.

In summary, the Governor had instituted a number of significant improvements since the formal inspection. Well respected and with over three years in post, he was one of the longest serving Governors of recent years and this continuity was now beginning to secure many advantages.

Further progress is still necessary in order to achieve a sustained reduction in offending rates by this difficult but impressionable age group. The Governor is committed to this, but we assess that he will require more support from SPS Headquarters. In the immediate future this includes extra staffing to meet the growing demand for court escorts. In addition, the detailed realisation of a YO policy would enable the establishment to contribute far more effectively to the tackling of youth crime, a target that has been accorded the highest priority by the Scottish Executive.

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