Young offenders in South Yorkshire 'not getting the right support' to prevent re-offending
An ex-offender in Sheffield's told Hallam young criminals in South Yorkshire aren't getting the right support to stop them offending again
A Sheffield man - who turned his life around after a decade in prison - says a new approach is needed to prevent young offenders getting back into crime.
Hanif Muhammed now works young offenders in Sheffield and says they're not getting the right support to prevent re-offending.
It's as MPs have published a report calling for a complete overhaul of how the criminal justice system treats young adults
Hanif says a new approach is needed:
"Look at what's got us this far - has it worked? How effective is it? Why is there a big margin of young people now who are still offending? Why's it not breaking the cycle?"
"I've met young people who talk to me so openly and tell me they're so disillusioned. They feel as though the powers that be, or the people who are in control of them, their caseworkers, are so out of touch with their personal lives and their circumstances."
"Rather than investing millions into one particular organisation, spread it evenly across the county, across the country if needs be and allow other ideas to come forward because clearly what we have up to now isn't working as efficiently or effectively as we'd want."
The Commons Justice Committee says there's "overwhelming evidence" that the criminal justice system doesn't adequately address the distinct needs of young adults.
In a report, they warn chances to cut crime would be missed if the approach to offenders aged between 18 and 25 continues to fall.
Hanif says there should be more ex-offenders like him used to help young people turn their lives around:
"These people are the best-equipped to deal with young people because they're able to relate. Young people know these people have been there and done it. I work with young people who have got some really complex needs - they're able to work with me and we get the outcomes simply because of my background."
"You've got a young person sat across the desk from somebody else who's on £300 a day: a child specialist or phycologist. The young person is automatically going to be thinking in their head, 'hang on a minute, you live a very different lifestyle to me. It's ok for you, whilst sitting in your ivory tower to tell me A, B and C'."
The Ministry of Justice have told Hallam they are looking at the issue and will publish plans soon.
A spokesman said:
“Significant efforts have been made to divert young people from custody and this has resulted in a welcome reduction in the prison population – down 40% since 2010. But those in custody are in for longer and for more serious offences."
“We recognise the specific challenges associated with this age group and are committed to addressing these."