Robin Walker MP, Worcester’s Conservative Member of Parliament, has made a visit to the West Mercia Transition to Adulthood pilot project.
 
The project, delivered by the charity YSS, partners young adults who have come into contact with the criminal justice process with voluntary caseworkers who can help them to avoid reoffending and support them through the various challenges they face in their life.
 

 
Meeting young people who are currently participating in the project, Robin Walker MP heard how service users benefit from support in developing their confidence, finding work and gaining access to affordable housing. After the meeting, he commented:

“It is very clear that this is a scheme that works and makes a real difference to young people who want to get on the straight and narrow and avoid re-offending. I am delighted to see such clear proof that the voluntary sector can deliver in this area and I think it is vital that the new reforms are structured in a way that builds on this excellent work. It is absolutely right that the Government should be introducing reforms to improve the support available to all offenders and particularly those whose crimes are relatively small, but who might need just a little extra help. It is welcome that the public probation service will continue to deal with the most serious and high risk cases.”

Following last week’s Government announcements on probation reform, the Worcester MP raised the successful model of partnership working between statutory services and local voluntary organisations with the Secretary of State for Justice. You can read that in exchange in full at the Hansard website.
 
Visit the YSS website to read about the visit in more detail.