Youth

In recent years any reference to young people within a community safety environment has almost always referred to them as being part of the problem and not part of the solution.

For example any tactics around antisocial behaviour invariably focused on young people as offenders. Little or no regard was given to the fact that, statistically, they are far more at risk of being victims of crime in certain crime areas (eg violent crime). Equally, little worth was attached to the contribution that could be offered by young people in terms of resolving the problem.

The Community Safety Partnership is determined to focus on young people. They will be considered not only as offenders (where appropriate), but also as victims. Key processes will be introduced to encourage and value their contribution to Stoke-on-Trent.