Statement on removal of under-18s from Scotland’s young offender institutions

Victim Support Scotland has released a statement commenting on the news that all under-18s have been removed from Scotland’s young offender institutions.

Full statement:

While we welcome the implementation of the UNCRC Act in Scotland, our concern is that this will impact the information and support available to the victims and families involved in those cases.

We support a number of families impacted by this change, and our understanding is that they have not been informed. Our chief priority is that the victims involved in these cases are kept informed and are not forgotten against the backdrop of these progressive measures.

We hear repeatedly from victims that there is a lack of support and information provided about the progress of their case, and our worry is that this change will exacerbate this issue, especially with serious violent and sexual offences becoming more common within this age group.

VSS has spoken out strongly about certain aspects of this bill while it was being debated and warned against the negative impact it will have on the provision of support for victims. Our concern remains with the families of victims of the most extreme cases – especially how this change will impact them and how they perceive these changes.