Staff at Bahrain’s main juvenile rehabilitation centre are not trained in the legal use of force and do not know how to operate potentially life-saving resuscitation devices, according to a new report.

The Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC) Report Number Seven, released yesterday (June 1), details the findings of a surprise inspection of the Juvenile Care Centre (JCC) in Isa Town, which was made in January this year, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It highlights numerous shortcomings at the 70-bed centre, which houses children under the age of 15 who have committed minor crimes ranging from petty theft to vandalism.

Although recognising that staff at the centre have an “understanding and awareness” of the needs of juveniles, who are “treated positively and exceptionally well from day one” the report states that “there is a lack and shortage in training staff on how to specifically deal effectively with juveniles.”

Staff “have knowledge” of risk management and the dangers of self harm, but “do not receive ongoing training on risk management methods,” it stated.

“It was noticed that no evaluation plans and follow-up procedures are in place,” said the report, adding that there were no surveillance cameras anywhere at the centre.

Although largely approving of the facilities at the centre, describing the rooms as having the “appropriate temperature, ventilation and lighting”, the report identifies weaknesses in maintenance of “facilities and restrooms” as well as in the provision of medical care.

A lack of specialised training “on juvenile health or the diseases they might be suffering from”, no awareness procedures “on countering contagious diseases” and an absence of “proper knowledge on operating the resuscitation devices” were three of the key shortcomings identified by the report.

A list of 20 recommendations attached to the report call for, among other things, proper training “on the legal use of force”, the introduction of “measures that promote juvenile rehabilitation in the event of misbehaviour” and increasing the number of medical staff at the centre to provide for “all juvenile health needs”.

During the three-day unannounced inspection, which began on January 18, there were 20 juveniles housed at the centre – including five females, according to the report

The JCC was established in 1984 and has a library, visitation room, indoor gym, sports facilities and rooms for training in computing and cooking, among other skills.

“These juveniles are kept at this centre for theft, behavioural deviation, protesting against public order and defying parental authority,” PDRC chairman Nawaf Al Ma’awada told the GDN.

“We have recommended the Health Ministry co-ordinate with the Interior Ministry to improve healthcare services and the same applies to the Education Ministry to improve the education for juveniles.”

More PDRC reports on conditions at the Reform and Rehabilitation Centre for Women and the Women’s Detention Centre in Isa Town are expected to be released soon. - TradeArabia News Service