To ask the Minister of Justice for her assessment of the most effective approaches for reducing adult reoffending.

ORAL QUESTION No 13 - AQO 2225/22-27

ANSWER

Reducing adult reoffending is a complex area and one that requires a joined up, whole of government approach to address the root causes of offending behaviour. That is why I welcome the Executive’s Programme for Government commitment to develop a cross-Executive strategic approach.

A number of factors tend to be prevalent for many who engage in offending behaviour – including poor mental health, addictions, lack of suitable accommodation, poverty, along with a lack of educational attainment and employment opportunities. Research consistently shows that rehabilitation is pivotal, both in custody and the community, to address these complex needs.

Evidence shows that community sentences can have better outcomes, compared with short custodial sentences, which can often compound an individual’s problems. They may well lose their accommodation, employment, and their family connection or support network. If not lost, connections are certainly weakened.

We also know that intervening early has the ability to break the cycle of offending, while trauma and adverse childhood experiences often underlie offending behaviour. That is why we are working closely with colleagues across government to develop the new cross-Executive strategy. Adopting a more person-centred, preventative approach and implementing initiatives to tackle wider societal issues that contribute to offending behaviour will be important.

Reducing adult reoffending not only improves outcomes for individuals but also helps build safer communities. By working together, we can support people to move away from offending.