There were 944 recorded incidents of self-harm between 1998 and 1999. These figures underestimated the true extent of self-harm behaviour amongst young people in prison as many will not come forward for medical attention having harmed themselves. There are on average 11,000 under 21 year olds held in prison at any one time, of whom 500 are female, nearly 3000 are children. Young black people are over represented in both the prison and mental health systems. Home Office statistics on race show that around 20 per cent of prisoners under 21 years of age are from black and minority ethnic groups.
Bullying is rife in YOIs and is likely to affect an individual's mental health.
The average assault rate in YOIs is over 34 per cent, although Castington YOI in Northumberland had an assault rate of over 90 per cent. 28 per cent of female prisoners spend over 19 hours a day in their cells. Many young people are held far from their homes, which makes contact with their families difficult. Prisoners under 21 years of age are held an average 51 miles from home, whilst those under 18 are held an average 54 miles from home. The Director General has acknowledged that the Prison Service is institutionally racist.