What happens while I'm in youth custody?
If the court decides to remand or sentence you to custody, you will be looked after by staff in the youth secure estate.
If you’re in custody on remand, you will stay in custody until you go back to court for your trial or for sentencing.
If you’re sentenced to custody, the court will tell you how long you need to stay there for.
You will stay at either:
- a young offender institution (YOI) – a larger site with multiple living units, and 30 to 60 children and young people staying in each unit
- a secure training centre (STC) – a site with multiple living units, with 4 to 8 children and young people staying in each unit
- a secure children’s home (SCH) – a site with 5 to 20 children and young people staying in each home
- a secure school – a site with multiple living units, and up to 6 children and young people staying in each unit
You should tell your Youth Justice Service (YJS) case manager, custody staff, social worker or personal advisor if you are a carer or have any caring responsibilities before going into custody. They can make sure that the people you care for continue to get the help or support they need.
The custody standards in this section explain how you should be treated while you’re in custody.
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