Pioneering resettlement programme falls short on re-offending

The final evaluation of the Daedalus project, based at the Heron Unit of Feltham Young Offender Institution, found that of 70 young people released under the programme between October 2009 and September 2010, 53 per cent reoffended within 12 months.

The latest figure is 12 per cent higher than cited in an interim report into the project, published in March this year.

But the re-offending rate for young people released from the entire secure estate during the same period was considerably worse, at 70 per cent.

The report meanwhile found that of the 263 young people who had been discharged from the Heron Unit, 56 per cent entered education, training or employment. Of these, 73 per cent entered education, 17 per cent employment, and the remaining 10 per cent enrolled in training courses.

Between September 2009 and November 2011, the proportion of those who managed to remain in education, employment or training for at least six months was 35 per cent.

The report reveals that the figures were not as good as hoped for, but warns that the economic climate has had an impact on opportunities for young people.

“Whilst levels of sustainment in education, training and employment were not as high as originally intended, the achievements should be considered against the known difficulties of engaging young offenders in education, training and employment provision as well as wider societal issues, such as the current economic downturn and the impact this has had on the job market,” the report states.

Researchers estimated that “indicative savings” attributable to the programme stand at £580,000, based on the costs associated with reoffending.

The deputy mayor of policing and crime for London, Stephen Greenhalgh, said there had been a “positive reduction in reoffending”, meaning there were fewer victims of crime in the capital.

“Lessons gained from the Heron Unit are now informing the youth offending strategy across the entire country,” he said.

“This pioneering project has helped some damaged young people get into a better place, largely thanks to the resettlement brokers and the dedication of the staff at Feltham, and contributed to the growing evidence base that resettlement can work.

“We now need to go beyond this small pilot and help create a rehabilitation revolution in the capital,” he continued.

“We will be having conversations with the Youth Justice Board and the Ministry of Justice to make sure the learning is spread and that money spent on young offenders in secure accommodation goes towards getting them into the world of work.

“Education and employment are the tools many young people need to get them firmly back on the right path.”