The Ministry of Justice and Minister for Sentencing and Youth Justice Jake Richards announced youth custody safeguarding reforms on 7 July 2026, accepting all 34 Trowler Review recommendations in principle.
The measures apply across youth custody settings in England, including Young Offender Institutions, Secure Training Centres, Secure Children’s Homes and the Secure School, Oasis Restore. The announcement follows an independent review led by Isabelle Trowler, Chief Social Worker for Children and Families in England.
The review was commissioned after a Prisons and Probation Ombudsman report into abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham between 1961 and 1987. Ministers said the reforms are intended to strengthen safeguarding, improve oversight and ensure children in custody are able to raise concerns safely.
Youth Custody Safeguards Strengthened After Review
The Government said children in youth custody will receive stronger protections through changes to safeguarding processes, staff checks and oversight. The Ministry of Justice said the reforms are part of action to ensure the failures identified after Medomsley are not repeated.
The announcement builds on the Youth Justice White Paper published in May, which set out plans for earlier intervention, targeted support and action to address the causes of youth crime. The latest measures focus on children already held in custody and the systems responsible for their safety.
- Review response: all 34 Trowler Review recommendations are being accepted in principle.
- Safeguarding board: a new board will monitor child protection across youth custody sites.
- Ministerial reporting: the board will report directly to ministers.
Main Reform Areas
| Area | Change | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Social workers | Dedicated access | Child protection expertise |
| Staff checks | Tougher vetting | Direct child contact |
| Oversight | Safeguarding board | Reports to ministers |
Dedicated Social Workers Added To Youth Estate
Every site in the youth estate will be required to have access to a dedicated social worker with extensive child protection expertise. The Ministry of Justice said this is intended to ensure serious concerns are not ignored or handled only within custody settings.
The reforms also give children a trusted independent person to approach if they believe something is wrong. Social workers will be expected to check in proactively and provide a safe, private space for children to raise concerns.
Staff Vetting And Training Reforms
Staff working with children in custody will be subject to stronger vetting, mandatory safeguarding training and renewed enhanced criminal record checks every three years. Recruitment processes are also being strengthened to help identify unsuitable candidates before they work with children.
The Government said training for frontline staff is being redesigned to better meet the needs of vulnerable children. A new National Practice Framework will also set consistent standards for behaviour, training and career development across the youth custody workforce.
- DBS renewal: enhanced checks will be renewed every three years.
- Mandatory training: staff must complete safeguarding training.
- Practice standards: a National Practice Framework will set consistent expectations.
Safeguarding Process Changes
| Measure | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints | Trusted adults included | Children can be supported |
| Arrival packs | Information redesigned | Rights explained clearly |
| Policy review | Child-focused checks | Needs are considered |
Medomsley Review Drives Safeguarding Reforms
The reforms follow the Trowler Review, which examined safeguarding challenges across the youth custodial estate. The review was commissioned after the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman report into abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre.
Ministers said the response is intended to strengthen safeguards for children currently in custody and improve how allegations are investigated and acted upon. The Government has apologised unreservedly to the men who suffered abuse at Medomsley.
Stakeholder Comments
Jake Richards, Minister for Sentencing and Youth Justice said;
“The abuse that took place at Medomsley is a national scandal and it is right that the Government has apologised. While we cannot undo the pain suffered by victims, we can make sure nothing like it ever happens again.”
“That is why we’re taking forward all 34 recommendations, including independent oversight of every abuse allegation, giving every child in custody access to a social worker, and strengthening staff vetting to keep children in custody safe.”
“A system that fails to protect children in custody creates more victims, not fewer. These reforms are about breaking that cycle.”
Isabelle Trowler, Chief Social Worker for Children and Families for England said;
“Following on from the Ombudsman’s important report last year into the Medomsley Detention Centre, my review examined the safeguarding challenges that persist across the youth custodial estate.”
“While there have been improvements in recent years, the evidence is unequivocal: more must be done to ensure every child in custody is safe, listened to and treated with dignity.”
Adrian Usher, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman said;
“My investigative report revealed the full scale and horror of what happened to thousands of victims at Medomsley Detention Centre.”
“I welcome the Government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations from the Trowler Review and strengthening safeguarding across the youth estate.”
Wider Safeguarding Measures
Under the new system, a trusted adult such as a family member, advocate or social worker will be able to raise a complaint on behalf of a child. Information given to children when they arrive in custody will also be redesigned so children with reading difficulties or learning differences can understand their rights from day one.
The Government will take forward plans to give all children in custody the same formal protections as children in care. New legislation will be required, but ministers said social workers will provide support in the meantime.
A formal learning review process will be placed at the centre of how the Youth Custody Service approaches safeguarding. The Government will also review policies, with a focus on those that do not account for the needs of children.
Youth Custody System And Future Plan
The Ministry of Justice said the youth custodial estate today differs from the system in which the Medomsley abuse took place. It said children are no longer detained for less serious offences and the number of children in custody has fallen over the past 20 years.
The Government said children who require custody should receive care and support that helps them turn their lives around. A Youth Custody Transformation Plan is expected later in 2026, setting out a longer-term vision for a safer system focused on rehabilitation, reduced crime and community protection.
The reforms set out a wider safeguarding response for children in youth custody, covering social work access, staff checks, training, complaints and independent oversight. The Government’s response links the Trowler Review to future legislation, practice standards and a planned Youth Custody Transformation Plan, while accepting all 34 recommendations in principle.
Sources: Ministry of Justice and Jake Richards MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
