Work Wise: Crib Sheet - Faith-based intervention to tackle crime

What is a "Noms"? It's the National Offender Management Service, theprimary purpose of which is to reduce offending. In order to achievethat purpose and reach its targets, Noms works with agencies in thepublic, voluntary and private sectors. One of its growing alliances iswith faith-based organisations, as demonstrated in a consultation paperon the roles that these organisations play in contributing to areduction in reoffending among both adults and children.

How can faith-based groups help? The government identifies sevenstrategic pathways that are central to tackling and reducing involvementin crime: accommodation; education, training and employment; health;drugs and alcohol; children and families of offenders; attitudes,thinking and behaviour; and finance, benefits and debt. Faith-basedorganisations such as the YMCA, the Feltham Community Chaplaincy Trustor the Quaker's Circles of Support and Accountability can provide verypractical support with education, training and accommodation, as well asbefriending and pastoral care. Services and support provided can be"non-faith", but the volunteers themselves become involved in this workbecause of their beliefs and values.