Programmes help with crime fight

There has been a “marked reduction” in the frequency and
seriousness of offending for young people on intensive supervision
and surveillance programmes since their introduction in July 2001,
research reveals.

An evaluation of ISSPs by the University of Oxford finds that in
the first 12 months of use, offending fell by 43 per cent and the
seriousness of offences by 16 per cent compared with the previous
12 months.

YJB chair Rod Morgan said ISSPs could help turn young people
around, although he acknowledged this was harder the more
entrenched behaviour had become.

The report says that despite a reduction in the frequency and
seriousness of offences, 85 per cent of the young people on ISSPs
are still reconvicted at some point within 12 months of the
programme’s start – but adds that this is unsurprising given the
profiles of the young people involved.

Nearly half of the young people referred live in deprived
households, three in 10 are thought to have experienced abuse, and
more than a quarter have received no education. Almost 60 per cent
have been involved with social services, 15 per cent are
self-harming and 14 per cent have used heroin.

The report warns against using ISSP for lower risk young offenders,
despite the idea being backed by some sentencers.

– Report from www.youth-justice-board.gov.uk