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<p>As of February 2024, girls make up less than 1 per cent of the children and young
people in the youth estate. There have been fewer than 10 girls in the youth estate
at any one time during the period September 2023 to February 2024 (the latest for
which figures are available).</p><p> </p><p>Within the youth estate, girls may be
placed in establishments that also accommodate boys: in Secure Children’s Homes, at
Oakhill Secure Training Centre and at HMYOI Wetherby. Within each sector, every child
has his or her own room. When boys and girls come into contact with each other – in
education and association areas – they are supervised by staff at all times. The availability
of these options is designed to enable the needs of each individual girl to be met
in the most appropriate way. We are keeping the position of girls in the youth estate
under constant review, and the Youth Custody Service is developing a gender-specific
operating model for HMYOI Wetherby, as well as gender-responsive guidance for the
wider youth estate.</p><p> </p><p>For the longer term, we are reviewing options, and
examining future placement locations and services, for girls who require custody,
together with the training and operational support that staff need to enable them
to care for girls in the youth estate.</p>
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