A collaborative approach to working with young people with experience of the youth justice system, has been praised in an independent report.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Enhanced Case Management has been developed by the Welsh Government, Youth Justice Board, Youth Offending Teams and the All Wales Forensic Adolescent Consultation and Treatment Service and is based on matching intervention and support to the behaviours and to underlying needs of young people who offend.
Youth Offending Teams in Flintshire, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly, and Carmarthenshire trialled the approach, which was carried out with young people with prolific offending histories and complex needs.
The research found that of the twenty one young people involved in the trial most reported improvements in their lives, such as improved self-confidence and emotional resilience etc. In some cases, this included reductions in the number of times young people breached the conditions of their order and reductions in reoffending rates, both during the trial and subsequently.
Communities and Children’s Secretary Carl Sargeant said:
“I am heartened to hear that the research has shown the Enhanced Case Management approach has made a positive difference to young people’s lives. The recommendation that it should be rolled out more widely is very welcome as we are working with the Youth Justice Board and the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner to implement this approach in the four Youth Offending Teams in South Wales this summer.”