THE ?jewel in the crown? of the criminal justice system. was how Sir David Ramsbotham described the C-FAR ? the Centre For Adolescent Rehabilitation ? at Highampton at the organisation?s recent business conference.

Sir David is a former Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Although delegate numbers were disappointing for the conference held at the Plymouth Pavilions last month, those who attended witnessed some of the most emotive speeches made by ex-offenders and others affected by the causes of crime.

The business and corporate sector from across Devon and Cornwall were represented at the conference, entitled ?Crime: Partnership, Change and Awareness ? The Essential Mix to Address the Cause and Research the Cure?.

C-FAR?s chief executive, Trevor Philpott said: ?It became abundantly clear that the business sector were more than willing to help but had previously no clear knowledge of the plethora of options available to them.

?They all agreed that apart from the obvious ?difficulties? in employing ex-offenders, there was a lack of knowledge and awareness of the needs and guidance that this disadvantaged group require and, that lack, could be addressed by the support C-FAR could offer.?

There were two lively question and answer forums with a panel of experts on hand to answer questions and suggest ways in which business could contribute, together with debate on the ways forward.

The training given to C-FAR trainees focuses on the deficit of basic skills that business across the two counties lack.

C-FAR also runs a ?pilot? programme, the SMETS Project, which has so far delivered advice, guidance and training to 38 companies and more than 1,000 employees and individuals.

Many of the businesses represented at the conference were beneficiaries of the project, with new companies expressing an interest in training as well as contributing to the sustainability of the centre?s work.

Plymouth Pavilions donated woolly hats for the trainees and redundant telephone equipment to C-FAR.

It is hoped the business conference can become an annual event aimed at encouraging the corporate sector to become more involved in helping break the cycle of crime and the fear of crime and young people.

The second annual conference is provisionally scheduled for November this year ? the original 2003 date was postponed due to keynote speakers being unable to attend. If you would like further information about how your business can help, contact the C-FAR PR department on 01409 231665.