Youth Crime
Young Offenders Targeted With New Community Penalty
Home Office Minister Hilary Benn, has announced the launch of a new community sentencing programme, aimed at 18 to 20 year olds.
The Intensive Control and Change Programme' (ICCP) is designed to cut offending by 18 to 20 year-olds - a group who often re-offend. It will be piloted in London, Nottinghamshire, Northumbria, Humberside and West Yorkshire from April and in a further six areas later this year.
Offenders taking part in the scheme are subject to daily curfews and may be forced to wear electronic tags.
They are also forced to undertake 25 hours per week of intensive activity.
This consists of:
18 hours a week at an offending behaviour programme, education, employment and training;
7 hours a week of unpaid work as reparation to the community;
Working with a mentor; and
A compensation order requiring the offender to pay the victim for injury, loss or damage - or a fine where appropriate.
ICCP is specifically designed for young adults aged 18-20 who make up 42 per cent of first time offenders and account for one fifth of all reconvictions. Of this age group 63 per cent were unemployed at the time of arrest and over 34 per cent have a problem with basic literacy and
numeracy.
Last update: 15/09/03