Prison
Cat YOI
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Parc young person’s unit
IMB Annual Report 2023 · Published 10 September 2024
HMP/YOI Parc Young Person’s Unit maintained its reputation as a leading YOI, lauded for its strong leadership, innovative programmes, and compassionate staff-child relationships. The unit successfully reduced violence and improved time out of cells, alongside excellent family contact. However, the report raised concerns regarding the challenged healthcare provision following a staff departure and the quality of education delivered by the new provider.
Positive Findings
HMP/YOI Parc Young Person’s Unit has been praised as the best YOI in England and Wales, demonstrating continued innovation and a strong, caring culture among staff and leaders. The unit achieved significant reductions in assaults, use of force, and adjudications, fostering a peaceful environment. Children benefited from an enriching new programme offering diverse activities and extended time out of their rooms. The IMB also commended the excellent staff-child relationships and robust family contact, including increased social and virtual visits.
Key Concerns
Healthcare
Healthcare became a challenged function during the period following the departure of the onsite nurse.
Education/Purposeful Activity
The new education provider, Novus Gower, was ill prepared for the challenges, with inadequate teacher numbers. Children reported negatively of their experiences of education, stating they were bored, lessons were challenging, and teachers disinterested.
Education/Purposeful Activity
Only 290 books were taken out of the Library during the reporting period.
Board Commentary
Staffing
The YPU leadership fostered a strong, caring, and supportive culture, with observed excellent relationships between staff and children. Staff were carefully selected, mentored in their first year, and provided with ongoing support and guidance. A custody support officer (CUSP) scheme ensured weekly meetings with children, which was reported as effective and enjoyed by the young people. Senior managers were relocated to a new hub, improving accessibility for children and enhancing operational collaboration.
Healthcare
Healthcare services faced challenges during the reporting period due to the departure of the onsite nurse, though full support was provided by the Healthcare Team from the main Parc site. The report notes that some children required additional mental health support, but no specific details on caseload numbers or waiting times were provided.
Regime & Daily Life
The YPU implemented significant regime changes, contributing to improved safety and ensuring children spent on average 6 to 8 hours daily out of their rooms. A new enrichment programme provided excellent opportunities for learning new skills and engaging in various activities, including collaborations with outside agencies and offering the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This programme also extended activities beyond normal prison hours, such as early morning fitness bootcamps.