Government plans to expand the Mirrors rehabilitation programme in an attempt to combat youth violence.

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler said yesterday: "I am committed to progressing these actions so that we can stop the rise in youth violence in our community.

"We will do our part because our Ministry is about building bridges to success and developing human potential. Our youth deserve no less."

The Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation has been working to make Mirrors a full-time programme and expect to be able to provide youth with three to four Personal Transformation Training Modules per year.

Each cycle will consist of nine weeks of enrolment, a six day residential and a nine to 12 month follow through period.

The cycles will also contain two or more days of enrolment training, committed partner training and on-site team training.

There will also be ongoing parent workshops, to involve parents in the transformation process, explained Mr. Butler.

The Mirrors Programme, which began last year has encouraged dozens of at-risk youth on the Island to continue with their education or find gainful employment.

The Ministry hopes to find a permanent location for the enlargement and sited various small islands, such as Darrell's, Port's and Paget Islands as possibilities.

"In the days and weeks ahead we will finalise the programme content, select a location, consider staffing and cost implications, and develop a specific plan to implement the expanded Mirrors programme," said Minister Butler.

He also said that Government was reviewing the Department of Child and Family Services to determine what steps were needed to improve the department's effectiveness. Government also plans to provide life skill training to those receiving financial assistance, he explained.

"We know that programmes like (Cross Ministry Initiative Team) do work, and we must now link up such programmes to persons in need of financial assistance, where it is appropriate to do so."

These announcements followed the Special Session of Cabinet held last week focusing on youth violence.