§ Lord Stone of Blackheathasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have plans to investigate fully the links between bereavement and youth offending; and [HL307]
What resources they currently make available to provide help for young offenders who have suffered a significant bereavement. (HL308)
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalRecent research on the assessment system used by youth offending teams (YOTs) to assess offenders' needs suggests that experiencing a significant bereavement or loss may influence their future offending behaviour. There are no current plans to commission further research in this area.
The assessment system examines family and personal relationships and whether any incidence of bereavement or loss continues to have an impact on the young offender's life. If bereavement is identified as a risk factor, then bereavement counselling can be offered as part of any overall programme to address the young person's offending behaviour arid risk factors. No resources are provided specifically for bereavement counselling but it would form part of the menu of interventions that youth offending teams currently offer those young offenders with the identified need.