Keith Fraser, Chair of the Youth Justice Board, says:

The Youth Justice Board (YJB) does not support the use of PAVA in youth custody due to the overall detrimental effect on children and the distinct lack of evidence that its use improves safety. Our advice to the government, based on robust evidence, is that PAVA spray is not effective in reducing violence or in preventing children offending or reoffending. In fact, its use could be harmful.

The YJB has not seen any evidence that would justify this decision, and this move is a further indication that the current model for youth custody is not working.

We will be writing to the Minister to express our extreme disappointment at this decision, reaffirm our advice and to voice our specific concerns. In particular, we are concerned that there is a significant risk that children from ethnic minority communities, particularly Black boys, children with speech, language, communication needs, and those who are neurodivergent will be unfairly targeted. We are concerned that the introduction will erode trust and relationships, undermining safety and rehabilitation efforts.

We urge the government to instead invest in sustained reform, to include increased staff levels, improved staff training and retention, effective behaviour management strategies and evidence-based programmes to improve safety. In the longer-term, there should be a move towards smaller, locally-based units staffed by professionals who are specially trained to work with children with complex needs. These units should prioritise education and training to support children to be positive members of society and will contribute to making communities safer.