§ Barbara FollettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the measures he is taking to reduce youth offending. [5155]
§ Beverley HughesWe have introduced a wide programme across Government to tackle those factors which lead young people into crime. This includes initiatives which focus on the family; tackle deprivation; and address absenteeism from school, under-age drinking and drug misuse.
We have also transformed youth justice by cutting delays, expanding the options available to the police and courts and establishing new national and local structures. We are currently introducing the intensive supervision and surveillance programme for persistent young offenders, and next April referral orders will start operating nationally.