The YJB's response to the Ministry of Justice's announcement that the rollout of PAVA (synthetic pepper spray) at Young Offender Institutions that hold children has been extended.
Phil Bowen, Interim Chair of the Youth Justice Board, says:
The YJB remains firmly opposed to the use of PAVA in youth custody. Extending this trial is a step in the wrong direction. There remains a distinct lack of evidence that its use reduces violence, prevents reoffending, or makes custody safer. In practice, it risks causing significant harm, including eroding trust between children and staff.
We are also deeply concerned that PAVA will disproportionately affect Black boys, neurodivergent children, and those with speech, language, and communication needs. The answer is already set out in the Youth Justice White Paper with the government’s intention to move towards smaller, locally based units staffed by professionals who are specially trained to work with children with complex needs. Smaller units are proven to be safer environments, where behaviour is far more likely to be successfully de-escalated without harsh, punitive treatment of children.
Source
Youth Custody: Extension of authorisation for PAVA in Young Offender Institutions