Section Four National Preventive Mechanism member profiles and it recommended that detention be ended and alternatives developed. The OCC also expressed concern about the care and treatment received by children in detention, including: • the process of arrest and conditions during transportation to the detention facility, which the majority of children found upsetting and frightening • evidence from children that control and restraint were sometimes used on them • the need for improved emotional support or counselling • the need to ensure health care received within the facility is of the same standard as that received in the community • the need for improved services for pregnant and nursing women. The report made multiple recommendations and these were followed up in another visit to Yarl’s Wood, a report of which was published in February 2010.31 While welcoming significant changes to policy and practice and an improvement in the physical environment of the facility, the OCC nonetheless reiterated the view that detention is never likely to be in children’s best interests and cited growing evidence that detention has a profound and negative impact on them. As well as publishing reports of visits, the OCC has commented on law and policy affecting children in detention, in line with Article 19(c) of OPCAT. For example, in 2009, the OCC commented on statutory guidance which would supplement a new duty on the government agency responsible for enforcing immigration law to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. In 2009–10, the OCC also undertook work into the conditions of young offenders detained in custody. It visited a number of secure establishments to interview young people about the conditions and treatment they experienced. More detailed work has begun on examining the provision of mental health services to ensure the needs of very vulnerable young people in custody are addressed. Looking forward Following an announcement by the government that it intends to end the detention of children and young people for immigration purposes, the OCC will work to ensure that this commitment is realised and that the immigration system better reflects human rights standards. The treatment of those young people detained in the youth justice system will continue to be a priority over the coming year as the OCC visits establishments. It will complete a detailed review of the mental health needs of young people in custody and how these are being addressed. The complaints processes available for young people in custody will also be monitored. 31 Children’s Commissioner, The Children’s Commissioner for England’s follow up report to the arrest and detention of children subject to immigration control (2010). 37