YMCA England works closely with young offenders while they are servingtheir sentences, and on release. We have seen how a lack of stabilityimpacts on a young person's ability to turn their back on a life ofcrime.
Stability must begin on the inside. Young offenders should not beshifted from one institution to another unless it is in their bestinterests.
This undermines the consistency needed for effective rehabilitation.
YMCA England believes that addressing the issue of stable accommodationwhile young people are in custody is as important as addressing theseproblems on release. We also believe that housing advice for youngoffenders should follow them through custody to resettlement in thecommunity.
Accommodation for young offenders released from custody needs to be bothsustainable and supported. Few places will be able to provide thecombination of accommodation and support. This means separate 'floating'support will need to be provided, working in partnership withlandlords.
Such accommodation is a vital element of an overall package, whichshould also include access to training, work and a wider network ofsupport. These are all necessary if young offenders are to successfullyturn their lives around.
Angela Sarkis, national secretary, YMCA England.
