Latest government figures for 2000 to 2008 show that the percentage of juveniles in custody for at least the third time increased from 7.7 per cent to 15 per cent. During the same period the number of first-time offenders in custody fell from 62 per cent to 55 per cent.
Catch 22 chief executive Joyce Moseley says the figures show that while initiatives aimed at first-time offenders have been successful, further action needs to be taken to support repeat offenders and help them reintegrate into society.
She said: "If we want to stop young people committing crime in our communities, we need to provide resettlement services that deliver meaningful interventions that start sooner, last longer and provide real opportunities for them to reintegrate with, and make a positive contribution to, their communities."
Youth justice professionals need to work closer with school, housing and employment and training services and closer attention must be given to restoring links with families, Catch 22 added.
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