Petition calls for end to child custody

Wednesday, 27 April 2005 12:00 AM

Campaigning group the Howard League for Penal Reform has launched a new petition calling for the end of prison for children.

The petition states: "I believe that no child should die in the custody of the state. I support ending the use of penal custody for children. If children's liberty has to be restricted, I want to keep them safe."

It is seeking to draw attention to the deaths of 28 children whilst in custody, the youngest of which was a 14-year-old boy who hung himself in a privately run prison.

Director Frances Crook said: "Prison is no place for our children. Despite recent improvements to the prisons holding children this is not a suitable or safe environment."

She added: "The Howard League for Penal Reform is asking members of the public and all parliamentary and local council candidates to consider the issue of children dying in custody very seriously, can their consciences allow the risk of more deaths?"

The league has also recently called for evidence relating to the death of Gareth Myatt, 15, who died while being restrained by staff at the Rainsbrook secure training centre.

The league hopes to present the petition to the Prime Minister in July.

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