Should the government cut child custodial remands by 25%?

The prisons inspectorate reports that almost 100 children each year are remanded to custody only to be bailed or moved shortly afterwards. The government plans to reduce the use of custodial remand for children by 25% by the end of this parliament and has allocated £5m for community alternatives. Professionals in local authorities, institutions and courts say many short-term remands are avoidable.