Prisons are 'failing' to stop young criminals re-offending

Institutions are failing to stop young criminals from re-offending once they leave prison. Credit: PA Images

Child criminals are re-offending after time in custody, a new report has found.

Institutions are failing to stop young criminals from re-offending once they leave prison.

Inspectors assessed 50 cases from five sites around the UK including one in Parc, Wales, and found they are "largely failing" to prepare them to live "safe, law-abiding and productive lives" post-incarceration.

Prisons and probation inspectorates found there was "inadequate planning" to protect families and younger children from the risk posed by offenders once released.

Most young offenders have no training, education or employment arranged and mental health support is often "lacking".

In too many cases suitable accommodation and support had not been lined up by the time they leave, according to the findings.

The inspectors feel that children are being let down in their release and more preparation needs to be done in order to ensure that young criminals stop re-offending.