Evidence shows early intervention – and prevention – can significantly reduce the chances of children and young people falling into a life of crime.
A new Youth Justice Plan is being unveiled to help cut the number of young people in Stoke-on-Trent who find themselves at risk of court action for offences.
The plan will see Stoke-on-Trent City Council work with prosecutors, the police and other partner organisations to reduce first-time entrants into the Criminal Justice system.
Evidence shows early intervention – and prevention – can significantly reduce the chances of children and young people falling into a life of crime.
The plan also includes greater use of restorative justice, where young people who have committed crimes are brought face-to-face with victims to see the impact of their behaviour.
The views of children and families will be considered when developing support services for both the victims and perpetrators of crime.
Certain offences – including driving offences – will be dealt with ‘out of hours’ where possible, and special efforts will be made to prevent children in care falling victim to criminal influences.
The work of partner organisations across Stoke-on-Trent is already having a positive impact. Re-offending rates among young people currently stand at 24.3 per cent, far lower than the average for similar places, which stands at 36.5 per cent.
Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for Children’s Services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "This new model will assist the service to intervene and support young people before they get entrenched in criminal behaviours. We want all young people in our city to thrive and make positive contributions to their communities."
“This all forms part of our plan to improve the well-being of our residents, making a cleaner, greener and safer city for all who live, work and visit here.”
The reports also identified an increase in young girls in care falling victim to the influence of crime. Funding was provided to deliver a ‘girls workgroup’ programme.
The council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team will continue to work with colleagues from Staffordshire Police to address issues relating to criminal gangs, gang-related issues, anti-social behaviour, knife crime, drug misuse, and illegal off-road bikes.
Over the last two months, a significant impact has been made in removing narcotics and off-road bikes from the streets of Stoke-on-Trent.
If you have concerns about an issue in your community, report to asb@stoke.gov.uk, anonymously via Crimestoppers, or by calling 101.
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