A PROJECT that helps prevent young people from reoffending is being extended after achieving ‘encouraging’ results in its opening year, according to the chief probation officer.
Mike Cutland said the Probation Service was ‘delighted’ by the early progress of its Positive Steps scheme, which gives Islanders aged 18 and under the opportunity to learn new skills and take part in community initiatives such as repairing damage caused by vandalism.
Since September last year, 16 young people have attended over 70 sessions of the programme, which is run in partnership with organisations that include Boxing Business, Caring Cooks, Mind Jersey, the Ambulance Service, the Fire Service, St John Ambulance, the States police, the Youth Service, the Infrastructure Department and Jersey Sport.
Three participants have achieved essential-first-aid certificates through St John Ambulance, while others have reported increased confidence and wellbeing.
The Probation Service has described the results as ‘very encouraging’, noting that the majority of young people who have attended so far have not reoffended.
Mr Cutland said: ‘We are delighted by the early results of the Positive Steps project. Probation officers have worked hard to identify and work with partners who are inspiring role models.
‘This has enabled our clients to work with community leaders who have provided opportunities to learn new skills, experience different challenges and develop new interests. Some of the initiatives and support have really benefited our younger clients and helped them to better integrate into the community while giving clear messages about taking responsibility for what they do.’
He added: ‘Key themes have been around good communication, teamwork and understanding the needs of others. By working together, we can provide a positive impact for children that can be sustained and lead to happier, healthier and safer futures where offending is less likely to feature.’
The Youth Court can order offenders to attend the programme, although young people can also agree to attend during their probation order – with some choosing to continue with the scheme afterwards.
Other organisations that have offered to help with the project include Thrive, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Kairos Arts.
‘We are looking to extend our range of partners over the course of the next few months,’ Mr Cutland said.
