Government releases update of Youth Crime Action Plan
Gemma Spence
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The government has pledged to double its investment in positive activities and continue the work of Family Intervention Projects as part it its drive to address youth crime.
The measures are among several outlined in an update of the Youth Crime Action Plan, which was published this week. But while the latest statistics show a fall in youth crime, ministers have called on professionals working with young people to redouble their efforts to help tackle youth violence.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls said the government was committed to doing more for all young people, adding: "Respect is a two way street. It is right that we expect all young people to value their community, but it is equally important for every community to respect and value its young people."
Across England and Wales, figures show a 34 per cent fall in homicide with a knife or sharp instrument, with 100 cases reported in April to September 2009 compared with 152 in the same period in the previous year. There has also been a 21.6 per cent decrease in the number of young people entering the criminal justice system for the first time from 2007/08 to 2008/09.
The Youth Crime Action Plan was launched two years ago and is aimed at offering a comprehensive approach to addressing the problem of young offenders, encompassing enforcement, support for young people and families, and prevention.
