Young People
Young people are often seen as the perpetrators of crime and anti-social behaviour but too often they are overlooked as victims. In fact results from the 2005 Offending, Crime and Justice Survey shows that young people are more likely to be victims (27%) than be guilty of committing an offence (25%).
Research suggests that those who are victims at a young age are far more likely to go on to commit offences when older. Other social factors can also play a huge part in determining whether young people come to the attention of the youth justice system.
A Youth Justice Board survey published in November 2006 found that 50% of young people known to Youth Offending Team's are under achieving at school. 15% are in housing need with 42% of them citing relationships with parents or relatives as being one of the major factors.
31% of young people in the youth justice system suffer from a mental health problem and 90% had used illegal drugs at some point in their lifetime. 74% drank alcohol more than once a week.
Many voluntary organisations in London are working around youth issues. Below we have highlighted some useful resources to help in this work and signposted some key organisations.
More from CSAS
External Links
- Youth Justice Board
The YJB oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales, including custody, working to prevent offending and reoffending by children and young people under the age of 18.
www.yjb.gov.uk - Safeguarding Unit for the Third Sector
Jointly managed by the NSPCC and Children England the Safeguarding Unit provides advice to third sector organisations on safeguarding children and young people
www.childrenengland.org.uk
- National Council For Voluntary Youth Services
A national independent body that represents over 180 voluntary and community youth organisations and regional and local networks in England.
www.ncvys.org.uk - London Youth Crime Prevention Board
The London Youth Crime Prevention Board (LYCPB) was announced as part of a package of measures following a crime summit in February 2007 at 10 Downing Street. LYCPB met for the first time in July 2007. The London Youth Crime Prevention Board's Safer Young London report from March 2009 can be downloaded via the link below.
www.younglondonmatters.org - 11 Million
The 11 MILLION organisation is lead by the Children's Commissioner for England, Sir Al Aynsley-Green, and works to make sure that adults in charge listen to the views of the 11 million children across England.
www.11million.org.uk
- Young London
The Mayor's website for young Londoners
www.london.gov.uk/young-london
- The Federation of London Youth Clubs
Provide information, advice and accredited training to youth clubs and youth workers as well as working directly with young people.
www.londonyouth.org.uk/
- Connexions
Information and advice for young people aged 13-19yrs.
www.connexions-direct.com - Clubs for Young People (CYP)
CYP is a UK wide network of clubs, services, projects and activities providing support for young people in their communities.
www.clubsforyoungpeople.org.uk/ - Young London - the Mayor's website for young Londoners
www.london.gov.uk/young-london/
Young people can use the website to have their say about London on a range of issues including health, sport facilities, music and film. - UN Convention on the rights of the child
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, often referred to as CRC or UNCRC, is an international convention setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. Nations that ratify this international convention (of which the UK is one) are bound to it by international law.
www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/k2crc.htm - Young Voice
Young Voice aim to promote the rights of young people under The UN Convention on the Rights Of the Child.
www.young-voice.org - The Brandon Centre
The Brandon Centre is a voluntary organisation based in Kentish Town, offering parenting programmes and specialist services for young people aged 12 to 2, including contraception and sexual health, and counselling and psychotherapy.
www.brandon-centre.org.uk
Downloads and Resources
- Young People and Crime: Findings from the 2005 Offending, Crime and Justice Survey
Central government research relating to young people and the criminal justice system.
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/ - Useful agencies and partners working with young people
A document produced by Safer Neighbourhoods highlighting agencies working with young people as a resource to tackle youth anti-social behaviour.
Useful agencies working with young people.pdf - London Funders - online publication:
Work by and for young people in London: the funding jigsaw
Offers a directory of funding available for children and young people.
www.londonfunders.org.uk/ - What Works? An Exploration of the Value of Informal Education Work with Young People
In 2004 Clubs for Young People (CYP) commissioned Brunel University to examine young people's experience in clubs and projects. This is their research report - very useful source of statistics and case studies.
www.clubsforyoungpeople.org.uk/ - Time for Action:
Equipping Young People for the Future and Preventing Violence
Time for Action, published in November 2008, set out the Mayor’s vision for a programme of action for Equipping Young People for the Future and Preventing Violence.
www.london.gov.uk/mayor/crime/timeforaction/
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