Appropriate Punishment and Rehabilitative Programmes for Young Offenders Convicted for Crimes of Mischief

Ms Joan Pereira asked (a) how does the Ministry balance appropriate punishment and rehabilitation for young offenders who are convicted for crimes of mischief; and (b) what kind of corrective education or counselling will young offenders receive to prevent them from re-offending.

In general, the Courts consider various principles such as rehabilitation, deterrence, prevention and retribution, based on factors such as the severity of the offence, the youths' level of maturity and their risk of reoffending. Youths who commit serious offences may be placed on probation or admitted to a youth home, where they undergo structured programmes that combine discipline with education and therapy. Youths who display unruly behaviour or require a higher level of supervision in a more structured environment, may be sent for Reformative Training or may be imprisoned.

As part of their rehabilitation programme, youth offenders participate in programmes tailored to their risks and needs. This includes interventions that build emotional regulation, decision-making and prosocial skills, as well as programmes that strengthen family relationships and positive peer support. Probation officers, social workers and youth home staff work closely with families, schools and community partners to create supportive environments that help sustain the youths' progress after release.

The youth offending rate has remained low, at an average of 5.2 per 1,000 youths from 2019 to 2023. Two-year recidivism rates also remained below 10% from the 2019 cohort to the 2021 cohort. The Ministry of Social and Family Development will continue to collaborate with Government agencies, youth offenders, their families and community partners to keep the offending and reoffending rates low.