G4S response to Kent Police actions regarding Medway Secure Training Centre
Commenting on this morning's action by Kent Police in relation to Medway Secure Training Centre, Managing Director for G4S Children's Services, Paul Cook, said:
"We fully support the action of Kent Police this morning and we continue to provide police officers and the local authority with full access to Medway Secure Training Centre and the centre's records including CCTV footage.
"There is no place in our business for the conduct shown on the BBC's Panorama programme on Monday night. This morning's arrests send a strong message that any allegations of wrongdoing will be thoroughly investigated and we are grateful to the police for their swift action in this case.
"We will work with the police and local authority to keep our own actions under review in light of today's developments.
"We will keep families and other professionals working with young people informed of developments as we are asked to do so. We are committed to a complete review of how this occurred and how we can ensure it doesn't happen again."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Medway STC is a 76-bed facility for young offenders (aged between 12 and 18) in Kent in the South East of England. The centre has been managed by G4S in close co-operation with the YJB since it opened in 1998. In the most recent Osfted led inspection, the centre was classified as "good with outstanding features" and was recently awarded the Restorative Justice Quality mark in recognition of the positive work undertaken with young people within the centre. Education attainment levels are high with 265 entry level GCSE certificates achieved by trainees last year and over 80% of young people leaving the centre with educational accreditation.
G4S works closely with the YJB to ensure the best possible care for the young people at the centre. There is a YJB performance monitor based permanently at the centre, on site NHS healthcare professionals and an independent advocacy service for young people at the centre provided by Barnado's, a leading UK children's charity.
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