Croydon youth service encouraged by fall in teen crimes
Croydon’s Youth Justice Service says it has seen a reduction in reoffending rates, first time offenders and children in police custody, as Croydon council and its partners work together to divert young people from crime.
The service supports vulnerable children and young people aged 10-18 years old, running preventative programmes and helping them back into education or into work.
Its 2024/25 plan looks back at the achievements of 2023/24 and areas of focus for the coming year. The plan aims to prioritise keeping young people and communities safe, and to make sure that all youths in the borough have opportunities to fulfil their potential.
The council set up the Turnaround and Engage project to involve at-risk young people in positive activities and last year worked with Palace for Life Foundation to get young people involved in sports.
Young people were helped back into education or employment through the Skill Mill employability scheme. The service interviewed and appointed young people to gain hands-on work experience, such as in construction, with the end goal of securing a permanent job.
There were also opportunities to volunteer at South Norwood Community Kitchen, gaining customer service skills, cooking, cleaning and gardening skills – as well as building self-confidence.
Croydon Youth Justice Service also ran projects where young people had the opportunity to make amends for the harm they may have caused. Children volunteered to help homeless people and in the Memory Tree Cafe, run by Age UK Croydon, where they befriended people with dementia, providing tea and conversation.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry said: “Keeping our children and young people and communities safe is our priority. Our Youth Justice Service has been engaging vulnerable young people and their families so they can work together to help get their lives back on track.
“Our plan sets out our ambitions for the coming year, to continue working with our partners on programmes that divert children and young people away from crime and creating more opportunities to secure a bright future.”
Picture: Pixabay/Alexa