Bridgend young offenders unit 'among the best'

Parc Prison's juvenile unit opened in 2002

Wales' only juvenile custodial facility is among the best in the prison system, inspectors have found.

But inspectors at Parc Prison in Bridgend raised concern over young people removed from the main unit for poor behaviour.

Between July and September last year three young people were held in health care for poor behaviour.

Inspectors ruled this "inappropriate" but said the unit provided a "decent environment".

Nick Hardwick, Chief Inspector of Prisons, said the unit had improved since a previous inspection in 2009.

"Parc young people's unit has continued to develop and improve since the last inspection. Young people feel safe and the unit provides a decent environment.

"Time out of cell has increased and there is a greater range of activities.

"There have been significant improvements in arrangements to resettle and re-integrate young people.

Substance abuse

"Overall, these are commendable developments which confirm that Wales' only juvenile custodial facility is among the best in the prison system."

The unannounced inspection took place over three days last September.

Parc Prison's juvenile unit opened in 2002 and has space for up to 64 remanded or sentenced young people.

As well as the recommendation that young people should not be placed in health care for poor behaviour, the report also advised that a sufficient number of trained nurses should be available at the prison to provide one-to-one support to inmates with addiction problems.

There was also a further recommendation to the Youth and Justice Board that children and young people should be given information at court about what to expect when they arrive in custody.