Govt ‘pursuing diversion programme’ for young people

The government is moving towards establishing a diversion programme for young people aged 16 to 18 who come into contact with the justice system, as it seeks alternatives to imprisonment and the costs associated with overcrowded prisons, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Adrian Forde has told Parliament.

The minister made the disclosure on Tuesday during debate in the House of Assembly on the Penal System Reform (Amendment) Bill.

Forde said the lack of alternatives to prison places an economic burden on the country, particularly as the prison system is already congested. He also noted the economic and financial costs associated with imprisonment.