Young people held at correctional facilities must be given the guidance and support needed to learn from their mistakes, rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society, Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield said during a visit to the C.O.R.R.S. Youth Correctional Centre.

During the visit, Bedingfield observed the work carried out with minors and young people held at the centre, with an emphasis on rehabilitation, guidance and the support needed to help them build a better future, a statement said.

Bedingfield spoke of the importance of giving young people the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and receive the assistance necessary to rebuild their lives. He said that rehabilitation and guidance were important aspects of correctional work, alongside the need to maintain security.

The centre currently accommodates 26 young people, all male. It can accommodate individuals aged between 14 and 21, although there are presently no 14-year-olds being held there.

Each young person receives an individual care plan involving a psychologist and a social worker. This approach aims to address their specific needs and assist them throughout the rehabilitation process, the statement said.

Where possible, this work also extends to their families, while therapeutic activities, including occupational therapy, help young people develop skills and prepare for a more positive future.

During the visit, it was also explained that not all young people held at the centre are serving a sentence. Many are being held on remand, meaning their stay at the centre may be relatively short.

In cases where a sentence is imposed, the period young people spend at the centre generally ranges from eight months to three years.

Bedingfield reiterated that correctional work involving young people requires an approach that combines accountability with opportunities for change, ensuring they receive the support needed to make better choices and reintegrate into society.

"Every young person should be given the guidance and support needed to build a better future. Rehabilitation means that, while we remain accountable for our actions, we also create opportunities for change and a fresh start," Bedingfield said.