Jobs key to prevent prisoners reoffending

HAVING a job on release from prison would be the most likely factor to prevent reoffending, according to young offenders.

Interviews with 60 young people at St Patrick’s Institute for Young Offenders also found a fear of staying in an adult prison would also be a factor in some young people not reoffending.

Nicola Hughes of UCD conducted the interviews with 60 inmates at St Patrick’s Institute, who ranged in age from 16 to 20 years. The average age was 18, yet 12 of those interviewed were either already parents themselves, or were due to be in the near future.