Seminar discusses how to help young ex-offenders

10:26am Tuesday 1st July 2008

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Housing and supporting young ex-offenders was the subject of a seminar hosted by Hertsmere Borough Council last week.

Local authorities and agencies from across the east of England gathered at the Civic Offices, in Elstree Way, on June 26 to discuss the importance of good accommodation and support to prevent young people from re-offending.

Councillor Hannah David, portfolio holder for housing, said: "We hope this seminar will be useful in sharing ideas and best practice so that we can work together to help this particular group of young people."

Delegates heard about the services provided by the Hertfordshire Youth Offending Team, and a scheme run by Herts Young Homeless Group, which enables young ex-offenders to find homes and maintain good behaviour.

Last summer, the council carried out a survey of the 48 local authorities in the eastern region. The aim was to find out which groups of young people were particularly in need of housing-related assistance.

The seminar last week was organised because nearly 40 per cent reported they would like more guidance on how to assist young people who are ex-offenders.

Hertsmere was selected to be the Regional Centre of Excellence for Youth Homelessness for 2007/08 and has now had the role extended for a further year.