More than a quarter of young offenders in Avon and Somerset reoffended within a year of their conviction, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Justice.

Data shows that 323 people aged between 10 and 17 were convicted of crimes in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area in the 12 months to March 2023. Within a year, 93 of them (29%) had already reoffended, committing a total of 459 further offences.

The reoffending rate in Avon and Somerset is lower than the national average of 32% and has fallen from the previous year's local figure of 34%. A decade ago, the figure stood at 37%, suggesting a longer-term decline in youth reoffending rates.

Calls for better support for young offenders

Despite the drop, prison reform campaigners have warned that the criminal justice system often fails to provide the necessary support to prevent reoffending.

Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said that contact with the justice system frequently leads young people deeper into criminal behaviour rather than rehabilitation.

"While reoffending is concerning, these figures do not come as a surprise," he said.

"Academic research has shown that each contact a child has with the criminal justice system drags them deeper into it, leading to more crime. If a young child is in trouble or behaving in a concerning way, the priority should be to consider their welfare and understand the reasons why this is happening, and to get them the help and support they need."

He also criticised the conditions in youth prisons, saying they routinely fail to meet rehabilitation standards.

Who are the young offenders?

Across England and Wales, the vast majority of young offenders were male (86%), and more than three-quarters (77%) were aged between 15 and 17.

In terms of ethnicity, 70% were white, 16% were black, and 5% were Asian, while the remainder did not have their ethnicity recorded.

Government response

A government spokesperson said custody was only used as a last resort for young offenders, adding that a smaller youth prison population means those who remain in the system may be more likely to reoffend.

"We need young offenders to turn their backs on a life of crime. These 2023 figures show that there is still a lot of work to do," they said.

"This Government is increasing access to education. Through Youth Offending Teams, we are also steering young people away from ever pursuing a life of crime."

The figures show that while youth reoffending rates are gradually declining, the challenge of preventing repeat offending remains a major concern for the justice system and support services in Avon and Somerset.