HC Deb 12 May 2003 vol 405 c73W
Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what resettlement work is conducted with remand prisoners in young offenders institutions. [109603]

Hilary Benn

Resettlement work with remand prisoners in young offender institutions seeks to prevent the avoidable loss of accommodation, employment and family ties. Work is also undertaken to address education needs and drug misuse.

Job centre Plus surgeries, providing benefit and employment advice and support to 18 to 20-year-olds on remand as well as sentenced prisoners, will be established in young offender institutions during 2003–04. The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales is seeking to improve resettlement work with remand prisoners aged 15 to 17 in young offender institutions through the provision of seconded youth offending team workers.