The Minister, who along with Jeffrey Donaldson, has special responsibility for children and young people, also visited Hydebank Wood Young Offender Centre last week.
Following the visit Minister Kelly said: “I was motivated to visit both Hydebank Wood and Woodlands after meeting with Kit Chivers, the former Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice to discuss his report into Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre. I have been very pleased today to see the huge improvements that have been made in the custody of young people in custody here at Woodlands and I hope that practices at Hydebank will follow suit.
"Jeffrey Donaldson and I, jointly with the Speaker, hosted a debate for around 140 teenagers in the Assembly Chamber on 23 October. The topic for debate was around the reasons why young people get drawn into anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and drug taking. I was delighted that two young people from Woodlands were encouraged to take part and brought their personal knowledge to the discussion.”
Notes to Editors:
All media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8256. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
