Youth protection scheme to re-run this half term in York

A youth protection scheme is to be re-run over half term following its success in the summer.

Operation liberate Sept 2015Operation Liberate, led by City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police, and other partners, aims to keep young people feeling and being safe. Police, local authority officers and healthcare professionals offer young people support and help, and where necessary take action to prevent anti-social behaviour or offending.

Between 24 July and 5 September on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer holiday, Operation Liberate targeted areas where anti-social behaviour has been an issue in the past. Police response teams identified 18 young people at risk and vulnerable aged between 10 and 18, of whom 75 per cent were female. Of them, 25 per cent were in danger of getting involved in anti-social behaviour and 75 per cent were considered vulnerable.
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Volunteers needed to help vulnerable young people

York’s Youth Offending Team is looking for volunteers to help support some of the city’s most vulnerable young people.

The team is looking for people to act as:

· An Appropriate Adult, supporting young people who have been arrested and are being detained and interviewed at the police station;

· A General Volunteer, working with children eight-17 years of age to help prevent them getting involved in offending; visiting and writing to young people in prison, and supporting young people with their bail conditions.

· A Mentor Volunteer, taking part in leisure and social activities with a young person and helping them tackle personal issues.

Experience of working with young people is beneficial but not essential. Training and support will be provided.

Angela Crossland, York Youth Offending Service Manager, City of York Council, said: “Volunteering with young offenders or young people at risk of offending can be challenging, but it can also be enormously rewarding. Many of the young people we work with don’t have a responsible adult in their life who they can trust so the volunteering roles are incredibly important. I’d urge anyone who thinks they have the skills and the time we need to get in touch.

For more information call alison.cammiss@york.gov.uk or ring on 01904 554565

York’s Youth Offending Team scoops national award

York’s Youth Offending Team has scooped a national award for its work with high risk and complex young people with mental health issues.

The team received a ‘good design’ award from the Youth Justice Board for its ‘Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service model’, which outlines how the Youth Offending Team and its partners can assess and support high risk young people with complex mental health needs.

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