News
Ford visits Juvenile Justice Centre (23/06/2010)
Justice Minister David Ford has today visited Woodlands, the Juvenile Justice Centre at Bangor.The Minister met staff during a tour of the Centre and was briefed on programmes to address offending behaviour amongst young people.
David Ford said: “I have been very impressed by what I have seen and heard today of the vital work being carried out there by a team of highly committed and dedicated staff.
“Woodlands is internationally recognised as a leading juvenile justice centre, dedicated to reducing reoffending of young people in custody.
“The centre has been designed as a centre of national and international excellence in secure care. Its strong emphasis on the involvement of young people and their families to create a sense of personal responsibility to help deliver the best outcome for the young people, is to be highly commended.
“It is a facility that gives young people a real opportunity to address their behaviour, understand the consequences of their actions and prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead after release.”
Notes to Editors:-
1. Woodlands, Juvenile Justice Centre is the main place of detention for children, both boys and girls who have been remanded into or sentenced to custody by the court.
2. It has the capacity to provide accommodation for up to 48 young people between the ages of 10 and 17.
3. The numbers vary considerably but the average population is normally around 26 – mostly boys between 15 -17years.
4. The cost of construction was £16.8 million, self funded through the sale of the surrounding land.
5. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice on 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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