Youth justice system is failing young people

The youth justice system is failing to adequately meet the
resettlement needs of young people, according to a report published
today, writes Simeon Brody.

The study by young people’s charity Rainer says finding
appropriate and supported training placements remains
difficult.

The lack of substance misuse and mental health services and
family support also continues to be a problem, argues the report,
written as part of the Planned Resettlement into Sustainable
Employment project which aims to improve resettlement in three
areas of the country.

It suggests the use of bed and breakfast and hostel
accommodation to resettle young offenders is likely to continue,
despite them being “highly criminogenic environments”,
unless there is sufficient funding on alternatives.

Resettlement would be made easier if young people were placed in
smaller local units and the juvenile prison population were much
reduced, it adds.

For background information on the youth justice system, go to the
Bigger Picture at:-

https://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/article.asp?liarticleid=48001&liSectionID=22&sKeys=&liParentID=26