Junior Minister Gerry Kelly met today with criminal justice inspector, Kit Chivers to discuss his report into Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre.
The report, which contains 179 recommendations for improvement, said juveniles are treated inappropriately on arrival and that there are limited opportunities for young offenders to learn and develop new skills.
The Minister, who along with Jeffrey Donaldson, has special responsibility for children and young people, was particularly interested in hearing more about the recommendations specific to the 11 juveniles (under 18 years) accommodated at Hydebank Wood.
Following the meeting Minister Kelly said: "I was particularly anxious to hear the inspector’s views on how his recommendations are being implemented.
“As Ministers we have a responsibility to be advocates for the rights of all young people regardless of who they are or what they have done. Indeed, the Executive’s commitment to this is reflected in the fact that provision for vulnerable young people, including those in contact with the youth justice system, is one of the six priorities agreed by the Ministerial Sub Committee on Children and Young People.
“Following on from this meeting I am keen to visit Hydebank in the near future and speak to both the Governor and inmates to hear their views on both the report and the regime that exists there.
“As a society we need to constantly balance and improve the ways in which we protect society and rehabilitate those who have offended. The inspectors report recommends ways in which this can be done and I would be keen to hear from inmates and staff at Hydebank . I will also be closely monitoring the implementation of the recommendations.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Ministerial Sub Committee on Children and Young People has as one of its six priorities the provision for vulnerable young people - including those in care, engaged with anti-social behaviour, in contact with the youth justice system, with mental health issues or with learning, physical or sensory disabilities.
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