Dr Geraldine O'Hare

The groundbreaking “Back on Track” programme, which will be piloted later this year, is aimed at young adult men aged between 18 and 29 in Northern Ireland.

It was developed by PBNI forensic psychologists after being approached by authorities in Malta to help reduce reoffending among young men in their jurisdiction.

Dr Geraldine O’Hara, director of rehabilitation at PBNI, said: “It was clear from our work that there are many similarities between issues faced in Malta and Northern Ireland.

“In both jurisdictions we know that the factors that lead to young people committing crime include drug and alcohol abuse, poor family relationships, a lack of training and opportunity and impulsive and poor decision-making.

“89 per cent of people on Probation’s caseload in Northern Ireland are men and 35 per cent are under 30 years of age. Probation has a range of services to help tackle reoffending in young men and we are now adding to that by rolling out the Back on Track programme.”

The intervention “aims to address the problematic thinking and behaviour that has influenced and led to offending behaviour”, she said.

Dr O’Hara explained: “Highly-trained programme facilitators will work with each individual on a one-to-one basis to identify the issues that may have caused offending.

“They will then help young people understand how to regulate their behaviour and develop coping strategies. The intervention will help young people tackle drug and alcohol misuse and look at how masculinity, self-worth and relationships impact upon decision-making.

“This is the first time we have developed a programme that looks specifically at the issue of masculinity and gender stereotypes and how that has impacted upon their decision-making.

“Facilitators will work with the men on both positive and negative elements of masculinity, and how to build self-esteem, confidence, and positive self-image.”

She added: “Importantly, the programme aims to help integrate those at risk of being excluded, labelled and stigmatised because of their actions as research shows further marginalisation leads to further offending.

“The programme is therefore about breaking the cycle of criminality and helping young men turn away from offending and become valued members of society.”

Miriam Sevasta, director of probation and parole in Malta, said: “Over the last few years, the number of young offenders supervised by the Department of Probation and Parole has increased and become more diverse. The need to introduce a specific intervention targeting this cohort of offenders has become even more pronounced.

“Similarly to the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, the DPP supervises a caseload of around 80 per cent male offenders, 40 per cent of which fall under the age of 30.

“With the introduction of the Back on Track programme, the DPP will be able to better address the needs of its younger offenders, whilst also safeguarding society from future re-offending.

“The DPP is looking forward to embarking on this joint venture with PBNI in launching Back on Track.”