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Teenage criminals who have proved they want to get their lives back on track have been moved into a special new custodial wing.
The Heron Unit at Feltham Young Offender Institution is Britain's first resettlement unit for 15- to 17-year-olds providing youth workers, educational facilities and cookery lessons.
The 30 male inmates can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and sports coaching qualifications.
The wing also has its own cooking and laundry facilities to prepare the teenagers for the outside world.
Support continues after inmates leave with youth workers helping to find educational places, jobs and housing.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Boris Johnson officially launched the unit today although inmates have been there for a month.
Mr Johnson said: "Heron Wing is the smarter approach desperately needed to tackle the current 75 per cent re-offending rate."
Mr Straw said: "Specialist support like this is essential to help young people break out of the cycle of crime."
Reader views (2)
A cycle of crime that Straw has actively encouraged through his failed justice policies.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
What does Jackboot Straw know about the cycle of crime?
Getting rid of the criminals in the House of Conmen would be a good start.
- Reuben Camara, Plot 1, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR
