Supportive youth panel wins acclaim
A CRIME prevention panel has been singled out for praise by national inspectors.
The Youth Inclusion and Support Panel (YISP) in Ellesmere Port & Neston, managed by national crime prevention organisation Crime Concern, was said by the independent inspectors to have produced 'some of the best early prevention work ever seen'.
YISP provides a multi-agency framework for co-ordinating the work provided to young people at risk of becoming involved in the youth justice system.
It aims to help young people aged eight to 13 who, without early intervention, would be most likely to enter the system.
The programme works to engage these youngsters and their families to divert them away from crime and anti-social behaviour.
Programme manager Nicola Shaw said: 'The key to successful prevention work is building and maintaining good relationships with the young people themselves and their families, but also with our key partner agencies and the community as a whole.
'There are no quick fix solutions and I'm delighted our hard work has been recognised.'
She added: 'Not only are our re-offending rates extremely low but no young people have gone onto receive ASBOs.
'Children and young people have learnt the benefits of making a positive contribution both personally and within society more widely.'
In a recent inspection from HMI Probation Inspectorate, the programme was said to be one of the strongest ever seen.
County council chief executive Jeremy Taylor, chairman of the Youth Offending Team management board, said: 'I am delighted we are achieving at this level in such a vital field of work.'
Crime Concern also administers a Youth Inclusion and Support Panel in Crewe & Nantwich and a Junior Youth Inclusion Project in Blacon.