The survey, which was conducted by polling organisation ICM, found 65 per cent of the 1000 plus people interviewed think prisons are ineffective in reducing youth offending.
Only one in 10 of those polled thought incarceration turns young people into law abiding citizens.
Instead most people were in favour of offering constructive activities to divert young people from crime, and improved mental health or substance abuse services.
The Prison Reform Trust, which runs SmartJustice, commissioned the poll to gauge public opinion as it launches its Programme to Reduce Child and Young Imprisonment.
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund is funding this five-year initiative with £1.5m. It will look at criminal justice policy and develop prison diversion schemes.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
