G4S Children's Services
Statement regarding Medway Secure Training Centre
G4S Children's Services (UK) has referred a number of serious allegations of inappropriate staff conduct at the Medway Secure Training Centre (STC) to Medway's Local Authority Designated Officer for safeguarding children (LADO), the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales (YJB) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The allegations centre around the unnecessary use of force and the use of improper language.
The LADO, in conjunction with the police and other relevant authorities, has commenced an independent investigation into the allegations.
Commenting on the allegations, Paul Cook, Managing Director for G4S Children's Services in the UK said:
"We are treating the allegations with the utmost gravity and have taken immediate action to suspend a number of staff members who are alleged to have conducted themselves in a manner which is not in line with our standards. We take any allegations of unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour extremely seriously and are giving our full support and co-operation to the LADO and the police as the investigation moves forward."
"The Police and LADO are the appropriate independent authorities to conduct the initial investigation into the allegations and once that investigation has concluded, we will agree with the Ministry of Justice and Youth Justice Board whether further independent review or investigation is required."
"We continue to focus on the care, wellbeing and education of the young people at the centre, which is our primary objective."
Ends
Notes to Editors:
Medway STC is a 76-bed facility for young offenders (aged between 12 and 18) in Kent in the South East of England. The centre has been managed by G4S in close co-operation with the YJB since it opened in 1998. In the most recent Osfted led inspection, the centre was classified as "good with outstanding features" and was recently awarded the Restorative Justice Quality mark in recognition of the positive work undertaken with young people within the centre. Education attainment levels are high with 265 entry level GCSE certificates achieved by trainees last year and over 80% of young people leaving the centre with educational accreditation.
G4S works closely with the YJB to ensure the best possible care for the young people at the centre. There is a YJB performance monitor based permanently at the centre, on site NHS healthcare professionals and an independent advocacy service for young people at the centre provided by Barnado's, a leading UK children's charity.
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