One facility that could have helped (and was helping) is early intervention charities which work through volunteers, like Home Start. It has been talking to young people in prison that helps gain an understanding of how they cope with poverty. Rev Paul NicolsonTaxpayers Against Poverty• Iceland in the 1990s found a way to stop its young people abusing drugs and alcohol and becoming a social menace. An investment in our young people before it is too late, along with more policing of our streets, would help reduce gang violence. Roger SquiresSt Andrews, Fife• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

Source: The Guardian April 10, 2018 16:07 UTC