Her Majesty's Young Offenders Institution (or HMYOI) is a type of British prison intended for offenders aged between 18 and 20,[1] although some prisons (particularly Ashfield[2] and Huntercombe[3]) cater for younger offenders from ages 15 to 17, who are classed as juvenile offenders.[4] Generally a young offender is regarded as such until the date of their 21st or 22nd birthday, whereupon he or she will be sent to an adult prison or can remain in the YOI until they turn 22 if deemed appropriate.
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Young Offenders Institutions were introduced under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, but special centres for housing young offenders have existed since the beginning of the 20th century, with the first being opened at Borstal, Kent in 1902.[5]
The regime of a young offenders institution is much the same as that of an adult prison. However, there are some slight differences, notably the lower staff to offender ratio.[5] Prisoners serving sentences at young offenders institutions are expected to take part in at least 25 hours of education per week, which is aimed at helping them to improve their behaviour, to develop practical skills for use in the outside world and to prepare them for lawful employment following their release.[1][4] There are also opportunities for prisoners to undertake work in Community Service Volunteer programmes.[1]
There were as of 2005[update] 15 dedicated institutions:
and 22 which share their site with other penal establishments: