[2] At the beginning of December 2004 the Howard League for Penal Reform accused Stoke Heath of abusing the human rights of young offenders.

The Howard League’s main criticism was concerned with the use of strip cells by the staff of Stoke Heath.

The inspectorate recommended that the prison must refurbish its "unacceptably grubby" segregation unit and establish proper risk assessments for strip searches.

[clarification needed] Stoke Heath houses male adults and Young Offenders of 18 years and above.

A variety of courses and vocational training placements are offered, most of which can lead to NVQ qualifications in related fields.