Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill

Clearly we are not satisfied with the outcomes of custody for many young people. Alongside the statement I have repeated that this should be seen as a last option, the introduction of youth rehabilitation orders and the other programmes, it is clear that we need to do much more in terms of educational programmes and reintegrating into society young people who have been in custody. That is where our joint work with the Department for Children, Schools and Families is so important. I am afraid that custody, although a last resort, is a necessary option. We recognise that we have to do much more for those young people who are placed into custody.