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The needs of the "lost generation" of 18 to 20-year-olds in the prison system have been highlighted in a new report from the chief inspector of prisons, writes Clare Jerrom.

Following an inspection of Deerbolt young offenders’ institution in County Durham, Anne Owers has voiced concern over the problem of insufficient investment in regimes and activities for an important and demanding age group.

Overall Deerbolt is a decent and safe place, with relaxed staff-prisoner relationships, Owers said: "But the shortcomings and concerns that we raise are not matters which can be addressed by the establishment alone."

"Unless sufficient resources are put into the 18-20 prison estate, prisons like Deerbolt will remain unable to provide the educational and training facilities that are vital if these young men are not to be discharged back into the community with as little chance of succeeding there as they had when they went into prison," she added.

There were few training and education opportunities at Deerbolt, according to the report. There were education places for only 30 per cent of prison population, and the education targets did not meet the needs of most of the young people there, most of whom were functionally illiterate.

The report praised the safe environment, as the prison had not had a suicide in 11 years and operated an effective' listener scheme'. The home detention curfew system was well managed and working effectively, the report added.

"The resources now available for children in prisons only serve to highlight the impoverished regimes available for young adults, who are most likely to reoffend, and in great need of direction and support to change their lifestyles," Owers concluded.