YOUNG OFFENDERS: Haringey to extend behavioural pilot
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
The scheme, which has just completed a two-month pilot, uses Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) to rehabilitate young offenders through behavioural therapy.
MST is a type of behavioural therapy designed to help offenders cope with pressure. It takes into account the young person's environment and factors like school and peers.
Charles Wells, counselling psychologist at Haringey Youth Offending Service, said: "MST cropped up a lot in my research because it has had a lot of success in other countries like the US." The scheme is looking for more families to participate.
Funding for the three-year project has been sourced by therapy and medical service The Brandon Centre, in north London. It has received "250,000 to 270,000 a year" from charities in the UK and the US. The centre is working in partnership with the youth offending team.
"The Youth Justice Board has been watching the project closely," said Wells. "If it's successful, I hope it can become another option for the board to implement for serious young offenders, alongside schemes such as Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programmes (ISSP)."
