Hope and a Future for Young People
The results of the first 3 ROC Café youth projects have shown a reduction in anti-social behaviour of between 35% and 55%. This strategy works and we are seeking to plant these youth projects across the UK. Recent research has also prompted us to develop a ROC Mentors scheme which will be piloted in London later this year.
The vast majority of young people in our society are law abiding, however, a significant minority come to the notice of police and the Criminal Justice System (CJS) every year. The below statistics make sobering reading:
- 70,000 school age children enter the CJS every year.
- Nearly half (42%) of all first time offenders are young adults
- The number of 15-17 yr. olds in youth custody has more than doubled in the last 10 years
- Two thirds of those imprisoned lose their jobs, a third lose their homes and 40% lose contact with their families
- The reoffending rate amongst those 18-20 yrs. old released from short term prison sentences (12 months or less) is 92%
Apart from the human cost, the amount of money spent in relation to dealing with young offenders is staggering. The total cost to the Criminal Justice system is estimated at approximately £4 billion per year.*
We at ROC are working hard to ensure that young people are given a hope and a future.
* www.civitas.org.uk/crime/factsheet-YouthOffending.pdf
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