Homelessness 'is key to reoffending'

Regeneration & Renewal 13-Jan-06

Young former prisoners are more likely to reoffend if their housing needs are not met, warns a report published by a campaign group.

The Howard League for Penal Reform report says that secure and stable
housing is crucial to the successful resettlement of 18 to 21-year-old
male former prisoners.

Researchers found that a quarter of young men in prison believed that

having safe and secure housing would help them to lead crime-free

lives.

A fifth reported that they had no home to go to on release, the report
says.

The campaign group wants the Government to impose a statutory duty on
local authorities to house homeless young people when they are released
from prison.

Report author Finola Farrant said: "When young people themselves say
that having safe and secure housing will help stop them (reoffending),
the Government should sit up and take notice."

- The Key To The Future? The Housing Needs of Young Adults in Prison is
available via www.regen.net/doc.