Page 68 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

These young people often require a coordinated approach from a number of services, such as housing, health, police, addiction services, education, voluntary sector as well as more specialist services at the local authority’s disposal. Children and young people, who offend, require to be assessed using recognised assessment tools such as the YLS CMI, SAVRY, AIMS II, J-SOAP, etc. to assess the risks and needs. It has been recognised that outcomes for children and young people who offend and enter the Criminal Justice system are particularly poor, often resulting in short periods of custody or remand. In 2010 the Scottish government piloted the Whole Systems Approach (WSA) within a number of authorities in Scotland to reduce re-offending by young people (under 18) through appropriate proportionate and timely interventions. The implementation of the WSA within North Ayrshire came with the establishment of Early Effective Interventions in 2011. This is one of the six elements that makes up the WSA with; diversion from prosecution for 16 & 17 year olds, alternative to secure care and custody, re-integration for young people returning from custody, support for young people within court and risk management being the other elements. The aim of the WSA is to work with stakeholders to: - Increase intervention opportunities from formal measures (Children's Hearing and prosecution) targeted at Children and young people and - Increase opportunities for community alternatives to secure care and custody designed for young people We acknowledge, however, that in relation to children and young people with welfare needs as well as offending behaviours, the need for statutory involvement and intervention can be necessary and the Children's Hearing continues to have a vital role in ensuring that they are supported to make successful transitions towards positive destinations away from offending. Further Guidance Children’s (Scotland) Act 1995, the Children's Hearing (Scotland) Act 2011 and the Criminal Procedures Scotland act provide the legal framework to protect the public and vulnerable children and young people from such behaviour. Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 Preventing Offending by Young People: A Framework for Action 2008, provides the guidance for how we deal with children and young people who offend. North Ayrshire Council, Whole Systems Approach Annual Review 2012 – 2013 Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire DRAFT V1.1 March 2014 Page No:68