for the detention of women and low risk prisoners, to the outrage of a childrens' rights group.

Coalition for the Protection of Children chairman Mrs. Sheelagh Cooper slammed the detention of children in an adult facility as "draconian''.

The practice, she said, would be unthinkable in the United Kingdom, Canada or the United States.

She confirmed that the children were still being held there as of yesterday.

Director of Social Services Ms Luelle Todd could not be reached for comment.

Children needed nurturing and treatment -- not a punitive approach, Mrs.

Cooper said.

"What could possibly be left to act as a deterrent to these young people when, by the age of 13, they have already made it to prison?'' Mrs. Cooper asked. "There is no better way to guarantee a criminal career than to confine young people as early as possible in conditions like this.'' Children who demonstrated anti-social behaviour to the point that they required tight security were obviously in need of treatment, she claimed.