Ask the Expert: Witness protection

A family I work with has had to be moved as part of a witness protection scheme but one of their boys keeps turning up at the youth centre. He spends a lot of time with his old friends and always tells us not to mention he was here. What can I do?

Witness protection schemes protect individuals and families from harm that could result from their identities being revealed. So it is concerning that this young person is putting himself at risk. If he is over 18 then he takes responsibility for himself, but if he is putting his family at risk then they probably need to know what he is up to.

Chat with him about the risks he might face by returning to the area and the fact that he is potentially putting his family in a vulnerable position – not to mention that he is likely to lose the support and protection of the police and authorities. Check whether he is aware of what he is doing and what may be lost as a result of his behaviour.

Answered by Tracie Trimmer-Platman, senior lecturer in youth and community work at the University of East London

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