‘Don’t build more prisons, provide more support, facilities and opportunities for young people’.
The Bishop of Gloucester is launching her findings on how young people feel about our criminal justice system in the House of Lords next week.
Over the past year she has been listening to young people through visits to schools, online forums and a survey for young people across Gloucestershire. Bishop Rachel said, “As Anglican Bishop for Prisons, I go into lots of prisons and speak to Ministers in Parliament. Improving the criminal justice system can lead to transformation of our communities.
“I have taken time this year to listen to young people about what they think, and what the alternatives to prison could be. They are the future and it’s important we include their voices in policy-making.
”What is very clear is that they don’t feel that more prisons should be built, but that investment should be made in creating employment opportunities, tackling drug and alcohol addiction and preventing crime by investing in support and facilities for young people in their communities.”
The event in the House of Lords will be attended by young people who have been involved in the campaign alongside MPs, Peers and people working across the spectrum of the criminal justice system.
Speakers will include Bishop Rachel and Junior Smart, a youth violence consultant and trainer, and someone with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
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