YJB: Local services should follow govt lead on housing

Good accommodation is crucial in rehabilitating young offenders, the Youth Justice Board (YJB) has warned.

Responding to communities secretary Ruth Kelly's proposals to help homeless people, a spokesman noted that 15 per cent of young offenders were living in "dire housing" conditions.

Without accommodation, they could not access rehabilitation programmes, including training or substance misuse services – and were 20 per cent more likely to reoffend, he added.

The YJB praised Ms Kelly's call to end the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for 16 and 17-year-olds and, saying the family home was the best place for young people, backed plans to provide mediation services.

When homelessness could not be prevented, other types of support were needed, he said, adding the YJB hoped to work with the government on meeting "the needs of young people in trouble".

The spokesman also called for more influence for local youth offending teams, saying they were "currently underrepresented" in making housing decisions.