Steve Brine spoke in the Commons on Tuesday 3rd July to raise the issue of reoffending rates of young offenders.
Speaking in Justice Questions, he asked: "What recent steps has he taken to reduce reoffending by young offenders?"
Crispin Blunt, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, said: "Reducing reoffending is a key priority for this Government, and the challenge is most acute with young offenders. Recent steps that will specifically apply to under-18s include youth custody pathfinders, the troubled families programme, the programme on gangs and youth violence, restorative justice, new out-of-court disposals, increased curfews, more severe breach penalties, minimum mandatory custodial sentences for aggravated knife crime, and integrated resettlement support.
"These measures complement the already very substantial number of further measures and programmes that are aimed at dealing with all age groups who reoffend, not least young adults."
Thanking the Minister for his answer, Steve continued: "He will know the charity - User Voice - which engages those who have experience of the criminal justice system in bringing about reform and reducing offending.
"Indeed a group of young people from the organisation recently appeared before the Justice Select Committee to give evidence as part of our Youth Justice Inquiry and it was striking to me that having respect for the status and position of a YOT worker is not the same thing as connecting with them and making a reasonable difference to the lives.
"Would the Minister agree that there has to be a much greater role for offenders and ex-offenders in steering young people away from the spiral of offending?"
Mr Blunt, who was recently hosted by Steve in Winchester, replied: "
I have met people from User Voice several times, and I agree with my hon. Friend about the value of their work. I also agree that ex-offenders are uniquely placed to offer support to offenders, along with other professional services, and can connect with them in a way that many other agencies cannot.
"Peer-mentoring services using ex-offenders are being developed at Ashfield and Cookham Wood young offenders institutions, working with the Prince's Trust."
More information...
You can read the full exchanges from Justice Questions at here.