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A raft of measures aimed at tackling high rates of re offending by ex prisoners, has been published by the social exclusion unit, writes Clare Jerrom.

A new report shows that prison sentences are not succeeding in turning all offenders away from crime.

Under the proposals, offenders would be asked to sign a contract at the beginning of their sentence, which would set out what was expected of them in prison and the community. The ‘going straight contract’ would initially be piloted on young offenders aged 18 to 20, and extended to other groups, if successful.

The contract would include a full time package of rehabilitative programmes and support, based on an assessment of the factors that lead to the re-offending, and therefore tailored to the individual prisoner.

The programme, which should include rewards for participation and sanctions for non-participation, should be drawn up and overseen by a case manager.

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Summary available by clicking here

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