Youth offending
The local need
Crime statistics identified that young people were more likely than other age groups to be involved in criminal damage and some types of violent crime.
Criminal Damage and violent crime were rising. Young people themselves expressed concern about being intimidated by groups of young people.
Prevention of criminal damage and violent crime was difficult as its occurrence was sporadic and unpredictable.
The vision
Research suggests that:
‘The most effective prevention strategy would seek to collectively identify high-risk children and young people through the sharing of risk factor information and the provision of appropriate voluntary support and intervention.’
Our vision was to identify young people likely to offend and work with them to support them into more positive lifestyles.
The challenge
The first challenge was to identify young people likely to offend before they actually do offend. A multi-agency steering group was set up and a project worker employed within the Adolescent Resource Centre. Referrals of ‘at risk’ young people were made to the project and a screening process identified those most at risk of offending. Risk factors included poor school attendance and exclusions, substance misuse, family culture, connections with known offenders and environmental issues. Those with high risk factors were accepted onto the project and given a unique time bound action plan setting out a programme of supportive interventions. These included family counselling, domestic violence support, supported employment, assertiveness and anger management training, prison visits, referrals to alcohol and drug intervention programmes and others.
The results
- By September 2007 Criminal Damage had fallen 14% compared to the same period in the previous year.
- The number of new entrants into the Youth Justice System fell from 85 to 63, a reduction of 25.8% during the year.
- 93% of young people referred to the project did not go on to offend.
- The number of positive interventions available to young people had increased.
Where next?
The Power Project has been so successful in Sevenoaks District that it has been rolled out across West and North Kent.
It continues to achieve a success rate above 93%.
Partners are responding to the need to fill gaps in provision for young people — through housing initiatives, increased alcohol support, mental health work and other appropriate commissioning.
Links with Local Children Services Partnerships are being developed.
Closer links are being established with the Youth Justice Board as the Power Project is recognised as a significant provider of youth prevention work in the District.
Contact Details
Lesley Bowles
Community Development Manager
01732 22735
Lesley.bowles@sevenoaks.gov.uk