There are three types of custody in which a young person can be placed. They are:
The YJB is responsible for placing young people in appropriate secure accommodation and setting the standards for these facilities. To help maintain and strengthen family ties for children and young people in custody, we always try, where possible, to locate young people as close to home as possible, both in distance, and in terms of transport links and accessibility.
Click for contact details for all the secure estate establishments the YJB works with.
See also our web page about the help and advice available for children and young people in custody and their families.
Assisted family visits
We also have an assisted family visits scheme, which helps families to visit their children on a weekly basis. The scheme covers visits to STCs, secure children’s homes, the Carlford Unit at Warren Hill YOI and the Oswald Unit at Castingdon YOI. The Prison Service runs its own separate scheme for the families of other young people placed in YOIs.
The YJB’s scheme helps pay the costs of one visit per week (seven days) by up to two visitors 16 years or older, and any children under 16 who need to accompany the adults. If a family has young children they are unable to bring with them, the YJB will help with registered childminder costs.
We pay:
- the return fare by public transport, or fuel costs if you travel by private vehicle
- a contribution towards overnight costs in the event of an unavoidably long journey
- a contribution towards any meals eaten if you are away from home for more than five hours.
Claims for visits to YOIs, other than the Carlford and Oswald Units, should be made through the Prison Service by calling 0845 3001 423.
Claims for visits to STCs should be made through the YJB monitor covering the STC where your child is placed. You should ask a member of staff at the STC to give you more information when you call to arrange a visit.
Claims for visits to secure children’s homes and the Carlford and Oswald Units should be made by filling in the form below and sending it to your youth offending team (YOT) office within 28 days following your visit. If you need a train ticket before you go, contact your YOT and they will be able to provide one.
Click to download further information for relatives [opens in new window; 69Kb Word document] and a claim form [opens in new window; 49.5Kb Word document].
If you have any queries about the YJB’s scheme, contact Linda Bland, linda.bland@yjb.gov.uk or 020 7271 3140.
Remember, you should always book your visit with any type of establishment before travelling.
Note that this scheme is under review and may change.