What is it all about? Although the number of young people sentenced to custody has reduced dramatically in recent years, reoffending rates remain stubbornly high. Latest statistics show that nearly three quarters of young people released from custody reoffended within a year of release. The government wants to improve outcomes for young offenders placed in custody by putting high-quality education at the centre of the system. Ministers insist that they still want young people in custody to be “appropriately punished”, but at the same time, learn to take responsibility for their actions and gain the skills and qualifications they need to lead productive, law-abiding lives in the future.
What are the main points? The chief proposal in the consultation is the suggestion that a new network of secure colleges be created, to be run by a range of providers such as academy chains and free schools, as well as organisations with security expertise. Providers have been asked to suggest ways in which they could be paid on the basis of the results they achieve.
Secure colleges will work closely with local health providers to improve young offenders’ thinking and emotional wellbeing. Partnerships with education providers in the community will also be explored. These partnerships could be between secure colleges and existing alternative or specialist education provision in the community, such as boarding schools. Transferable qualifications for young offenders, tied to a place at a local college or apprenticeship on release, will also be explored.
Other ideas under consideration include the creation of non-secure residential facilities, based on secure college sites, which would help young people resettle back into the community on release.
The government has pledged to continue to offer specialist provision for the most vulnerable young people in custody.
It is seeking views on how each element of the plans could be implemented.
Who can have a say? The consultation is aimed at businesses; voluntary organisations; local authorities; youth workers; young people; charities; young offender institution staff; staff at prisons with mother and baby units; offenders; victims; youth offending team workers and the public.
When does it close? 30 April, 2013
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