Community scheme set to rehabilitate young offenders

In a move which will alleviate pressure on prison governors, the Home Office is set to introduce a new scheme which will steer young offenders away from the rising jail populations.

The new community penalty, known as the 'Intensive Control and Change Programme' (ICCP), is designed to cut offending by 18 to 20 year-olds - an age group particularly associated with reoffending and high reconviction rates after release from prison or a traditional community sentence.

A government spokesman said: "ICCP keeps offenders off the streets, tackles their offending behaviour, aids rehabiliation and provides an effective alternative to prison for non-violent and non-sexual offenders."

The 18-20 group make up 42% of first-time offenders and account for one fifth of all reconvictions. Of this age group 63% were unemployed at the time of arrest and over 34% have a problem with basic literacy and numeracy.

Under the scheme offenders will face a daily curfew enforced by electronic tagging; direct local police involvement and surveillance; and rapid reaction to any breach of conditions.

Offenders will also have to undergo 25 hours a week of behavioural, education, employment and training programmes.

Home Office Minister for Prisons and Probation, Hilary Benn, said: "Short-term custodial sentences with no support or supervision after release can't fully address underlying problems and provide limited opportunity for rehabilitation. This new community penalty will not only punish but will also directly tackle offending behaviour to reduce crime.

"It will not work for everyone, so we expect quite a few not to stick to their demanding programme. 'Breaches' or any police intelligence that suggests they are getting into trouble will put them back into court, with the prospect of prison if they go on offending. All of this should help to improve public confidence."

The programme will be piloted in London, Nottinghamshire, Northumbria, Humberside and West Yorkshire from April and in a further six areas later this year.

(GMcG)