The scheme being pioneered in Bradford to offer youngsters on remand awaiting trial a home-based alternative to prison has a lot going for it, in principle. The National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NACRO) quite rightly points out that placing youngsters alongside hardened criminals in adult prisons can lead them astray.

These young people are only accused of having committed crimes. They have not yet been convicted. Yet even if they are subsequently proved to be innocent, they could have spent months being influenced by some very corrupt and unpleasant people. There is also the problem of bullying in prison, and the widespread availability and use of drugs. Someone who spends time in one of these "schools for crime" risks coming out with a drugs habit which will need to be funded through criminal activity.

The Bail Support Programme would help to avoid these risks and is therefore to be welcomed in suitable cases. An additional benefit of the scheme is the education programme to teach young people some of the life skills they need such as controlling anger and aggression, reducing existing drug and alcohol misuse, and tackling difficulties with family relationships, schooling, employment and accommodation.

However, it cannot expect public support if it is used chiefly as a means of cutting the cost of caring for young people while they await trial. It will need to be properly funded if it is to be as well-supervised as NACRO envisages. There should not be any loopholes which might allow youngsters remanded on bail to continue a life of crime.

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