The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice in Dublin, Ireland has embarked on an extensive review of the needs of young adults aged 18 to under 25 in Irish prisons. This is a first for young adults in Irish prisons and is aimed at influencing policy and how the prison service responds to the specific needs of this group. Due to be published in the next couple of months the report highlights key issues and provides policy recommendations.
Within the report is an extensive review of best practice in the detention of young adults as well as an examination of current research on age and maturity. Psychosocial research on young adults has found that this age group is maturing later in life which impacts on the ability to make good decisions and manage impulsivity. However, the research also shows that young adults have a greater capacity to change and be positively influenced compared to the older adult population. In fact young adults have more in common with teenagers than adults in their 30s.
With this evidence a different approach is needed because In Ireland and many other countries, once they turn eighteen, young people in detention are treated as adults.
The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice’s (JCFJ) forthcoming research highlights the need to treat young adults in a unique and distinct way. Currently 18 to under 25 year olds in Irish prisons are accommodated with the rest of the adult prison population, despite the evidence highlighting their vulnerability. The JCFJ’s analysis has uncovered that young adults are disproportionately disciplined which negatively impacts on their ability to access education, work and training as well as maintaining contact with family, all elements crucial in preventing repeat offending.
The aim of the JCFJ policy report is to influence government policy in Ireland and will be of international interest to everyone working towards progressive prison reform. When published the report will be available at www.jcfj.ie [International Jesuit Prison Network newsletter]