asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they are taking to assist young offenders on release from custody; and what specific steps they are taking to protect them from the risks of becoming homeless and reoffending. [HL2755]

The Youth Justice Board (YJB) published its youth resettlement framework for action in 2006. The framework focuses on developing the key resettlement pathways including health, education, training and employment and substance misuse. The YJB has rolled out resettlement and aftercare provision schemes (RAPS) in over 50 youth offending team (YOT) areas, providing planned resettlement activities for young offenders in custody and in the community. The YJB also published its accommodation strategy in November 2006. Critically, the strategy looks to ensure that young offenders have adequate access to accommodation services by improving the organisation of YOTs. The strategy has supported work to phase out the provision of unsupported bed and breakfast accommodation for 16 and 17 year-olds. It also makes the prevention of family breakdown and homelessness a key priority for the youth justice system.