The Most Dangerous Children's Prison in the UK
- Kulturalism Team
- Feb 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 26
It has recently been discovered that HMYOI Werrington is the country's most dangerous children's prison. This is a shocking revelation and one that should be of great concern.
A Crisis in Youth Custody
A 2022 inspection revealed that HMYOI Werrington was the most dangerous children's prison in the country. However, despite calls for reform, a 2023 inspection found that Werrington remains unsafe and failing young offenders.
At the same time, Feltham YOI has continued to struggle with high violence, staff shortages, and gang recruitment. These failures highlight a wider crisis in the youth prison system that endangers children rather than rehabilitating them.
This blog explores the systemic failures, and what needs to change to protect vulnerable children.
Prison Inspection Findings
The 2022 inspection of Werrington uncovered shocking issues:
High levels of violence and group assaults
Frequent use of weapons among children
399 weapons confiscated in a single year
32 children requiring hospital treatment due to serious harm
2023: Has Anything Improved?
The most recent unannounced inspection (July–August 2023) found that Werrington remains unsafe, despite small reductions in violence.
25% of children still feel unsafe, showing only a slight improvement.
Disorder and concerted indiscipline have increased, shifting the type of violence rather than resolving it.
Four different governors in three years – leadership instability has worsened oversight and child protection.
388 "Keep-Apart" directives – segregation policies mean most children are locked in cells for over 20 hours a day.
Educational opportunities are failing – The library has been closed for over a year, and Ofsted rated education as inadequate.
Despite some efforts to improve safety, Werrington continues to fail in its duty to rehabilitate young offenders.
The "Keep-Apart" List
A Dangerous Coping Mechanism
In an attempt to reduce violence, Werrington implemented a "Keep-Apart List", separating children deemed at risk from others.
Children are socially isolated from peers and meaningful activities.
Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and self-harm increase.
Lack of positive social interaction leads to anger and frustration.
A similar issue was reported at Feltham, where segregation led to long-term psychological harm. Many children reported feeling hopeless, abandoned, and more aggressive due to prolonged isolation.
The reality is: YOIs are failing to reduce violence and causing further harm.
Systemic Failures in Youth Offender Institutions
According to Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, YOIs have lost their purpose, and conditions are deteriorating nationwide.
Common failures found in Werrington (2022 & 2023) and Feltham (2023) include:
Routine strip-searching of children, often unjustified
Disorganised efforts to reduce violence & bullying
Children locked in cells for extended periods after arrival
No structured anti-bullying programs
Minimal education & rehabilitation opportunities
Ofsted rated leadership & education as "Inadequate"
High safeguarding concerns due to excessive restraint
Children spending most weekends locked in their cells
These conditions fail to protect or rehabilitate young offenders, making it more likely they will reoffend upon release.
Why This Matters
The Impact on Children's Development
Young offenders are at a critical stage of brain development. Research shows that the male brain does not fully develop until the mid-20s, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which controls:
Decision-making
Judgment
Impulse control
If children in custody lack structure, education, and guidance, they become more vulnerable to gang recruitment, radicalisation, and repeat offending.
Key Risks of the Current System
Long-term isolation affects social development.
Lack of rehabilitation increases reoffending rates.
Youth offenders may be transferred to adult prisons unprepared, making them vulnerable to gangs.
In both Werrington and Feltham, children reported feeling abandoned, unsupported, and lost —further proof that urgent reform is needed.
The Role of Prison Officers: A Missed Opportunity
Prison officers play a crucial role in rehabilitation.
Research shows that:
Positive relationships between officers and children improve behaviour.
Children respond best to guidance, support, and structure.
Trust in authority figures (like teachers or officers) is critical.
However, inexperienced staff at Werrington and Feltham often struggle to manage children effectively. As a result, violence escalates, and rehabilitation opportunities are lost.
If prison officers are undertrained and overworked, they cannot provide the structure and mentorship that young offenders need.
What Needs to Change?
HM Inspectorate of Prisons recommends urgent reforms, including:
Increased funding for staff training – Many officers are enthusiastic but inexperienced.
Better rehabilitation programs – More focus on education, mental health, and social development.
More structured interventions to reduce violence – Prevention strategies instead of isolation.
Improved prison conditions – Children should not spend entire weekends in their cells.
The government must invest in these areas to prevent further harm and break the cycle of youth reoffending.
Final Thoughts
Children in prison deserve better. While some have committed serious crimes, many are highly vulnerable and need guidance, not just punishment. If we fail to address these issues:
We risk turning young offenders into lifelong criminals.
Reoffending rates will remain high.
Prisons will continue to be places of violence, not rehabilitation.
We need action now —before another generation of children is lost in a broken system.
Inspection Reports
HMYOI Werrington 2023 Inspection Report Read Here
Feltham YOI Inspection Report Read Here
