Hampshire police and crime commissioner says children going into custody is the 'very last option' following disability charity's concerns

Earlier this week, the Disability Union stated that two thirds of all children in custody have special educational needs and disabilities.

These young people, typically secondary school age, have often become disenfranchised with the education system and fall into a criminal lifestyle.

The charity, which works to promote disability inclusivity and awareness, called for an overhaul of the national curriculum and for earlier intervention.

Now, Hampshire's police and crime commissioner Donna Jones has supported the charity's pursuit, explaining that placing youngsters into custody is the ‘very last option’.

She said: 'Many children and young people coming into custody are vulnerable, either due to their age or additional needs through either mental health issues or some kind of additional complex need.

‘These additional needs, when not supported early enough, manifest as behavioural issues leading to exclusion from school, and then criminality.

‘Officers are encouraged to use alternative ways of progressing an investigation involving a child suspect, with a number of measures in place to ensure children have the support required if arrested.’

According to the police and crime commissioner's office, roughly half of the children detained in the first six months of this year by Hampshire Constabulary were noted to have mental health issues or complex needs.

Earlier this year, Mrs Jones held the country's first trauma-informed conference, where she outlined how police and being taught by trauma-informed practicioners to better handle emotionally complex situations.

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This new approach is also being used when it comes to children with special educational needs and disabilities, she added.

‘I have arranged for custody suites to be reviewed by trauma-informed practitioners to ensure there is a child centred approach to supporting children in custody,’ the commissioner said.

‘Children in custody are prioritised, they are always provided with an appropriate adult and given legal advice by a solicitor for support without them having to request it.

‘Quieter rooms are used to book them into custody and child-friendly, accessible documents help them understand their rights.

‘It’s right that police have measures in place to care for these children, and have plans in place when they are released, with the help of partners like social services, youth offending teams and the courts.’