Joint initiative aiming to stop youngsters reoffending

A major new strategy has been developed geared toward stopping young offenders from repeat offending and diverting them away from a life of crime.

A major new strategy has been developed geared toward stopping young offenders from repeat offending and diverting them away from a life of crime.

The cornerstone of the initiative came at the start of the year when it became illegal to put 17 year olds into prison; they’re now accommodated at the Children’s Secure Unit.

Prison was deemed not to be an appropriate environment for the 17 year olds, who are still technically classed as children.

The Departments of Health and Social Care are now working together to develop packages of support for the individuals.

Projects and work placements are being offered to the young offenders in an effort to give them valuable experience, which can often then lead to employment.

A spokesperson for the Youth Justice Team said it’s important that they look into the underlying circumstances and needs in the child’s life that has resulted in them committing a crime.

(AUDIO ABOVE - INSPECTOR PHIL DROWLEY)