A FACT-finding mission to Slovenia will be embarked upon later this month by two staff members of C-FAR, the Centre For Adolescent Rehabilitation, based at Highampton.
Senior coach John Rutland of Okehampton and case co-ordinator Paul Barnes who comes from Truro will set off for Ljubljana, Slovenia on January 23, as part of a unique European Crime Reduction Partnership.
C-FAR representatives have previously attended the European Offenders Forum in Brussels and Athens and have developed links with those in the Netherlands, Germany, Slovenia and Hungary, who are interested in creating a ?development partnership? working with youth and the rehabilitation of ex-offenders.
John Rutland, an ex-Staff Sgt with the Royal Signals, said: ?Having worked in some of these countries during my time in service, my German speaking skills have been invaluable. This mission will show there are huge benefits for the future and is an extremely exciting time for C-FAR and the contacts made with the interested partnership countries.
?The project is embryonic, this meeting will be a ?think-tank of information gathering and exploration?. At the moment it is the result of e-mail ideas and information passing,? he said.
?However, we have all come to the same conclusion, something needs to change and just maybe we will come up with a European recipe for success in addressing the alternatives for our youth and young adult offenders.?
Trevor Philpott, C-FAR?s chief executive said: ?The problems associated with young people and their involvement in crime and the need to explore ways to deal with the problems are not unique to the UK. The exchange of experience, knowledge and ideas can only be of enormous benefit to all within the EC.?
C-FAR is partly funded by the European Social Fund and has just been awarded a further 12-month funding from their Objective 3 Fund.
While this support is a huge relief after disappointing financial assistance from the Home Office, C-FAR still has to find 55 percent of it 1.3million annual operating costs.
C-FAR has pioneered the 12-month ?Life Change? programme which has helped many 18-24 year-old male ex-offenders back into the community and employment in the three years it has been running.
C-FAR is an awarding body for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and it is with great delight that the scheme?s European international co-ordinator, Wim Van Derlaan will be attending the meeting in Slovenia to explore the possibilities of an International Award being part of any future potential alliance between the five countries.
Funding is being sought to finance this trip. However, if you feel you would like to contribute please contact the PR/fundraising department of C-FAR on 01409 231665.