County Durham Youth Offending Service has been recognised for a second time at a national level for its contribution to improving the life chances of young people who offend.
The Fully Integrated Pre-Court System picked up the Youth Justice Award 2012 at the Children and Young People Now awards for its impact on diverting young people from the criminal justice system and reducing re-offending.
The aim of the project is to divert ten to 17-year-olds away from crime. Launched in 2010 the scheme swings into action the moment a young person first comes into contact with the youth justice system, at which point they are provided with assessment and early intervention to help prevent them from re-offending.
The project supported 742 young people during 2011/2012.
Gill Eshelby, strategic manager, County Durham Youth Offending Service, said: “We are delighted to win such a prestigious award. These are the gold standard for everyone who works with children, young people and their families.
“The Youth Justice Award recognises the excellent work of the service and our outstanding partnership work with Durham Constabulary.”
The scheme also works with young people who already have an official police reprimand or final warning. It is supported by Durham Constabulary and all of the partners in the Safe Durham Partnership, Local Criminal Justice Board and Children and Families Trust.
Young people, parents and carers are actively involved in all decisions made.
Over the past five years it has seen a 74 per cent reduction in the number of young people entering the criminal justice system far exceeding the national reduction.
