Record numbers of children in England jailed many miles from their families

Feltham A YOI was identified as the most violent prison in the country, with teenage inmates refusing family visits to keep their relatives away from danger. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA

Vulnerable children are being jailed many miles from their families at record levels, a Guardian investigation has found, prompting warnings that the government is breaking the law.

The proportion of young people being detained in young offender institutions (YOIs) more than 100 miles from their home has doubled over the last decade to 15% – the highest ​since its peak at the height of the Covid pandemic.