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Press releasesREF: PR/016/08 DATE: 21st May 2008 To: MPs PRESS RELEASE YOUTH JUSTICE REFORMThe independent audit published by the centre for Crime and Justice Studies at King’s College London, has been welcomed by the POA. The report is critical of the Governments ambitious programme to deal with crime amongst young people. The report identifies that more children have been criminalised and imprisoned since the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act. The key findings identify that spending has increased by 45% in real terms since 2001. Youth crime has not been reduced despite the excessive spending. The Youth Justice Board have failed to reduce the number of youngster’s being imprisoned and in fact since 2005, the numbers have risen by 8%. Steve Gough, National Vice Chairman of the POA said: “The POA is not surprised by the report and its findings. We believe the Youth Justice Board have failed and should be disbanded. The Youth Justice Board have focussed on liberal policies which prevent constructive regimes and restrict staff in the day to day management of young offenders. If society is to be protected then Juvenile, Young Offender Institutes and Regional Secure Units should all be under the control of the Ministry of Justice and Prison Service. Serious crime amongst young children in society is a fact of life and the public deserve protection. All secure establishments should be resourced appropriately with structured regimes to address the needs of those in our care, but the staff need to be empowered to deliver the regimes. Currently the Youth Justice Board are operating establishments where the children are in charge and this is the reason why the Governments investment and plans have failed”. For further information contact: |
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