Wrexham Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths is backing proposals aimed at strengthening support for young people who commit crime and ultimately helping them to break the cycle of reoffending.
The Welsh Government has launched a public consultation, which can be accessed online, and outlined proposals for an Assembly Bill.
Over a third of young people in the Welsh youth justice court in 2010 reoffended within 12 months, and this figure continues to increase.
A core proposal in the Bill will be the establishment of Regional Reintegration and Resettlement Partnerships which will be key to ensuring the needs of these young people are identified and met. All Local Authorities and Health Boards across Wales will be tasked with making sure the new partnerships are in place.
The legislation is specifically targeted at young people who are at the greatest risk of reoffending. In partnership with the Youth Justice Board, the Welsh Government has achieved a great deal in recent years through targeted prevention programmes and restorative alternatives to charging. The number of first time entrants into the youth justice system continues to fall and the number of children and young people in custody is the lowest ever recorded being 50 in 2013.
Lesley Griffiths AM said:
“All children and young people in Wales deserve the best possible chance to lead positive lives.”
“Unfortunately, there are many examples of children who fall into the youth justice system due to unmet needs and this legislation would provide the opportunity to strengthen the collective approach and help those young individuals with complex problems.”
“I believe the Bill provides a unique opportunity to establish the specific support needed to prevent reoffending and help young people overcome the barriers they face.”
