New prison college offers hope to NI young offenders
By News Northern Ireland, ,

A new college for young offenders at Hydebank Wood in Belfast has been opened by the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

The college, for 18-21 year old young men, will address their offending behaviour through education, vocational training, mentoring and support programmes. Prisoners will be involved in a range of activities from Monday to Friday with a number of weekend activities also provided.

Justice Minister David Ford (pictured) said: “The opening of the new Hydebank Wood College is an important milestone for prison reform in Northern Ireland.

“In 2013, more than a third of young people committed to Hydebank Wood had literacy problems and over half had numeracy difficulties. Through education and skills training the college will give more young people hope for the future and at the same time help to deliver a safer community in Northern Ireland.

“This unique college environment will support, stretch and challenge young adults, and help them to develop their skills and employability, address their offending behaviour so they can make a positive contribution to their community after release.”

The development of Hydebank Wood College, in line with recommendations contained in the Prison Review Team’s report, will operate as a campus with structured timetabling and free flow movement. When appropriate, the young men will also be considered for risk assessed external work placements to further support their effective community reintegration.

Director General of the Prison Service, Sue McAllister said: “This is a huge step forward for our entire Prison Service. Addressing offending by young people requires a different approach and the new College will provide that. Its emphasis will be on building numeracy and literacy skills and delivering recognised qualifications.

“Finding meaningful employment after release is critically important for rehabilitation and the College can play a huge role in that. Finally I would like to thank the Governor Austin Treacy and everyone at Hydebank Wood for delivering the College.”