The Government has today published its response to the independent review Delivering the Best for Girls in Custody, led by Susannah Hancock who is a Board member for the YJB.
The review was commissioned earlier this year and explores the experiences of girls in custody and the suitability of current placement options. It drew on evidence from professionals, children, and sector experts to shape a vision for reform
Responding to the 13 recommendations put forward in March 2025, the publication outlines a series of youth justice reforms. The first recommendations, to end to placing girls in Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) was carried out with immediate effect in March 2025 and welcomed by the YJB at that time.
Susannah Hancock said:
“Girls in custody are among some of the most complex and vulnerable children in the justice system, as I have seen first-hand through my work with the Youth Justice Board.
“Despite the small number of girls in the system, they often face disproportionately poor outcomes, with significantly higher rates of self-harm and unmet needs due to youth justice systems designed primarily for boys. Reform is urgently needed.
“I am pleased to be included in the minister-led Girls in Youth Justice Advisory Board (GYJAB) that will oversee delivery of these reforms and hope to work closely with Government to shape outcomes for girls.”
Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Board (YJB), said:
“The experience and expertise that Susannah Hancock has brought to this work is invaluable, and she is well placed to draw upon our growing research and evidence base. We are therefore pleased that Susannah has been invited to join the new GYJAB.
“The YJB is committed to making sure girls’ voices and experiences shape every part of this work. The evidence is clear, there is currently a lack of gender responsive services to meet the unique needs of girls, the recommendations in the report go some way to addressing the current gaps. In addition, we see the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill as a key opportunity to create better care options for children in secure settings.
“We will work closely with other agencies and local authorities to help develop new types of community-based secure accommodation that meet the specific needs of girls. This is a vital chance to improve the system, support girls with complex needs and reduce the number of victims to make our communities safer.”
On behalf of the YJB Board, Keith Fraser, Chair of the YJB, welcomed the Government’s response:
“Girls should be placed in secure settings only in exceptional circumstances, and when they are, they should be held in places designed to meet their complex and unique needs.
“The YJB recognises the need for further research into effective interventions and appropriate settings for girls and welcomes the Government’s response. We strongly support expanding community alternatives so girls can stay closer to home and get the support they need to thrive.
“We strongly support the appointment of a strategic lead at the Ministry of Justice to focus on improving outcomes for girls in the youth justice system, and we are pleased to collaborate with government departments and other partners to help shape a national pathway for girls, support the creation of multi-agency partnerships, and make sure that girls’ unique needs are considered in all planning and decision-making.”
For further information, visit: Delivering the Best for Girls in Custody – Government Response
