Nacro supports appropriate sentences for any offence, but we believe that unless people are helped to tackle the root causes of their offending behaviour, they are likely to continue to offend. Many people who have offended in the past, or are likely to do so, have lacked opportunities such as education and training and need help with basic skills. They may also lack basic services such as housing or benefits. Many are particularly vulnerable – for example, they may have mental health problems, disabilities or problems with drugs and alcohol.

All these factors can lead to low self-esteem and sense of hopelessness about the future. We have found that when people are offered the tools they need to turn their lives around, a high proportion will choose to do so.