Young people call for intervention at six to steer children away from crime
Neil Puffett
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
A group of young advisers has called on a government crime prevention programme to engage with children from the age of six rather than 10.
The call forms part of a six-step action plan launched by the Positive Futures Youth Advisory Board.
Young people on the advisory board of the Home Office programme, which is currently aimed at 10- to 19-year-olds, have also called for better relationships between young people and police, and an increased focus on tackling gang culture.
Chris Wright, chief executive of Catch22, which manages the programme, said: “Positive Futures has an incredible track record of helping tens of thousands of young people and ensures young people have a voice about future policy and services.
“At Catch22 we recognise young people’s potential as thought leaders for social change."
The plan, put together in consultation with thousands of young people, outlines the steps young people believe need to be taken to help them stay away from crime, drugs and alcohol.
To engage children from the age of six, the plan calls for Positive Futures to be connected to local schools in project areas and for schools to host a range of taster sessions.
To improve relationships with the police, the plan suggests meetings between youth advisory board members and the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo).
It also states that clear guidance should be issued to police to get them to refer young children at risk of involvement with crime to Positive Futures to divert them away from the criminal justice system.
Positive Futures has been running for 11 years and the launch of the plan is part of the Make a Noise Week, which is celebrating the achievements of the programme.