The continuing fall-out from allegations of abuse made by BBC Panorama at the G4S-run Medway Secure Training Centre needs to be the beginning of a process that will lead to closer scrutiny of the “secure estate“—the system of institutions, training centers, and homes for juveniles in the U.K.
In a report based on an undercover investigation, the Panorama team alleged ill treatment of children by staff including slapping, unnecessary restraint, and the falsifying of records. Following a number of arrests, G4S said in a statement that they fully supported the actions of the police and would continue to provide officers with full access to the center and records.
Children in these 'secure state' institutions come with feelings, experiences, and voices that are not recognized in the official narrative.
