Youth Justice Effective Practice Certificate

The YJEPC is now well established as a key element in the career development of practitioners concerned with Youth Justice. It is widely used by Youth Offending Teams, the secure estate and individuals wishing to work in youth justice such as volunteers and youth workers, with over 600 people undertaking the course since it started in 2012. The most recent student satisfaction survey showed that 96% would recommend the course to a colleague.

The next course starts on 28 March 2016.  Registrations are now being taken for this start date.

A course brochure and online application can be found at www.unitas.uk.net/yjepc

Or contact us by telephoning 01603 263201 or email yjepc@unitas.uk.net

Outcome

The course gives students knowledge and skills as the basis of judgement to help them develop more effective interventions. The practical nature means that the course has a direct and immediate bearing on students’ day-to-day work.

Research shows that over 8 out of 10 students have been able to put their newly acquired skills into practice already. 

“Skills in assessment and theory behind offending have enabled me to consider different ways of working with young people more effectively.”

Format

Students undertake 34 weeks of distance learning (300 hours of study), backed by well proven print and online materials and supported by telephone and email access to tutors with youth justice experience [in both the secure estate and community]. This is all delivered for just £595.   

“I have already recommended the course to my colleagues. I think it is excellent value for money and a very enjoyable course.”

Widely recognised

The YJEPC has been used by more than half the YOTs in England and Wales, some of which now relate pay scales to achievement of the Certificate. The course is now used as part of the degree in criminology at the University of Derby.   The Certificate is endorsed by SFJ Awards and recognised by the Youth Justice Board. 

Content

The course is arranged in six blocks

• Evolution of the Youth Justice System
• Theories of youth offending
• What works and risk management
• The intervention cycle
• Engaging young people
• Desistance and the effective practitioner

88% found the content good or excellent. “I feel the course encompasses degree level reading with NVQ/concise style assignments. The course has very relevant content to YJ practitioners.”

Unitas developed the course and continues to refine the YJEPC to meet the requirements of effective distance learning: high quality materials, readily available high quality tutorial support and appropriate accreditation.

Quality materials

Unitas has found that quality materials are essential to successful distance learning. Students find the depth of literature provided a great help, both during the course and in subsequent practice.

100% of students found the learner materials Very or Mostly Relevant to their work context. “Easy to read material and good guidance on accessing resources.” “I found the learner’s guide to be of great help.”

Tutorial support

Readily available telephone and email support allow students to build a useful rapport with our high quality experienced tutors, all with extensive experience in youth justice across both community and the secure estate, who also provide comprehensive feedback on completed assignments.

9 out of 10 were satisfied or very satisfied with the level of tutorial support  “I think the support offered was very good and I always knew there was someone I could approach to ask for help”

Accreditation

The YJEPC is endorsed by SFJ Awards, recognised by the Youth Justice Board and is currently being incorporated by Universities into relevant undergraduate degrees.

Application

A course brochure and online application can be found at www.unitas.uk.net/yjepc

Please contact us by telephoning 01603 263201 or email yjepc@unitas.uk.net