Friday, January 21, 2011

'Academies' should replace youth custody, says peer - Education News, Education - The Independent

'Academies' should replace youth custody, says peer - Education News, Education - The Independent

This concept is similar to the C-FAR project, a former Devon based charity that provided residential training courses and mentoring for young adult persistent offenders. It reduced re-offending by approximately 40%. Regrettably, owing to a lack of funding, the Centre was forced to close after 5 years of development. More information can be seen at - http://www.lifechangeuk.com/our-history/

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Alternative to Custody and Probation for Offenders who are Military Veterans

Having put their lives on the line for their country and exposed themselves to physical danger and their families to mental stress, our former military veteran offenders deserve help to regain their sense of pride and self worth.

The business plan for this project is now well advanced. The partnership, which includes Life Change UK, Alabare' Christian Care and Support, The Langley House Trust and Exeter City YMCA is now seeking support through a Social Impact Bond. This proposal will reduce re-offending by veteran offenders and enable them to become the proud men they once were.

If you know of those willing to help, please do get let us know - 07779221162 or info@lifechangeuk.com

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Monday, January 17, 2011

Armed Forces Bill: 10 Jan 2011: House of Commons debates - Offending by Veterans

Armed Forces Bill: 10 Jan 2011: House of Commons debates (TheyWorkForYou.com)

Readers of this debate will see that it was wide ranging. Importantly, there was a clear focus upon the needs of former military personnel returning to civilian life and the challenges that they face. Evidence is suggesting that repeated tours of combat are contributing to poor mental health and an inability to readily settle back into civy-street. Critically, there are increasing numbers of former military personnel entering the justice system; specific numbers are still not clear. Research in the USA suggests large numbers of veterans end up offending. Here is the UK, estimates range from 3.5% to 10%, with individual prisons suggesting over 15%. The number on community orders and probation are unclear, although following feedback from Probation offices around the country, NAPO suggests as many as 12,000. Worryingly, research by various Police Forces, Local Authorities and Health practitioners suggest that numbers are increasing.

Linked to this is the often devastating impact that periods of deployment and combat has on the families of military personnel, frequently resulting in alcohol abuse, family break-up and domestic violence.

Whatever the detailed figures may eventually show, the fact that the lives of so many men and women and their families have been severely damaged cannot be ignored. Rightly, hundreds of thousands of pounds are being spent to help those with physical disabilities resulting from combat. It is now time to intensify the support to those suffering mental trauma so that they too can find a way of coping with their lives and avoid entry into the Justice System.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Support Solutions • View topic - Reducing reoffending need not cost the earth

Support Solutions • View topic - Reducing reoffending need not cost the earth Another excellent example of how, by moving away from the more punitive approach to crime, we can save money, reduce re-offending and enable individuals to forge more productive lives.

Reducing Re-offending by the Young - A Time for Real Change!

A quote from Joseph Malins:

'Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old, for the voice of true wisdom is calling;
To rescue the fallen is good, but ‘tis best to prevent other people from falling;
Better close up the source of temptation and crime than deliver from dungeon or galley;
Better put a strong fence round the top of the cliff, than an ambulance down in the valley.’