19th November 2009
A project designed to provide an opportunity for young people in custody to influence government policy on juvenile justice will be launched next week. The project developed by the Howard League of Penal Reform will work with approximately 150 young people in custody. The scheme will train young offenders to communicate with the media and speak at Parliamentary selected hearings.
Andrew Neilson, assistant director of the Howard League Reform said “We will have participation projects where young people can take a lead on shaping policy reports". The project will work with people up to the ages of 24 in young offender institutions throughout England. It will aim to give young people a say in how they spend their time in custody for example from deciding on what they eat to establishing committees.
Chief executive of charity4children Anne Longfield claims the project has the potential of cutting re-offending rates.
The Howard League also hopes to establish a new website that will include audio and video material of young people in custody.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.