Project Daedalus

Helping young people in custody

Under Project Daedalus we have developed a new approach for supporting motivated young people in custody. The project aims to break the cycle of youth re-offending by delivering intensive support, which begins inside custody and continues beyond the prison gate upon release into the community to improve the chances of successful resettlement. This programme has been piloted at Feltham's Heron wing.

Working in partnership

Daedalus is being delivered through a partnership of the Greater London Authority, the London Development Agency, Youth Justice Board, National Offender Management Service and borough councils.  The London Criminal Justice Partnership coordinates the work of the agencies.

To put Daedalus into effect, a separate unit has been set up at Feltham Young Offenders Institution for young people from the London boroughs. The unit provides an enhanced regime, with six additional prison officers, offering more structured activities and programmes to improve life skills and job readiness for young offenders. Young offenders on the Unit are able to gain work experience with local employers on day release, which is a first at Feltham YOI.  The Mayor, along with Jack Straw MP, officially opened the unit on 5 November 2009.

The role of resettlement brokers

Resettlement brokers have been appointed to work directly with the young people to support them towards their education, employment and training goals as well as offering pastoral support before and after release. Funded by the London Development Agency, the resettlement brokers work closely with youth offending teams and local authorities to ensure seamless resettlement and reduced re-offending rates.

Project Daedalus: Emerging Findings Report

On 11 May 2010, Ipsos MORI published a review of the early stages of the Daedalus programme. The Emerging Findings report finds that young people feel they are having a positive experiences through the custody and community stages.

Read the Project Daedalus: Emerging Findings Report

Evaluation of Project Daedalus: Interim Report  

In spring 2011, Ipsos MORI published the second evaluation report on Project Daedalus, which is a process evaluation.  The final report, due to be published in spring 2012,  will focus on the outcomes and impact of the programme.

Read the Daedalus Interim Evaluation Report

Why Daedalus? Daedalus was a skilful architect and craftsman who built the labyrinth for the Ancient Greek King Minos that was used to imprison the mythical Minotaur.  As builder of the labyrinth, only Daedalus knew the route out.