Poor inter-agency working means social services are “kept in the dark” when vulnerable young people in their care enter the criminal justice system, a report to be published this week claims, writes Maria Ahmed.
The study by charity Revolving Doors finds that a “territorial” approach by agencies is blocking the smooth transition of young offenders between services.
It cites cases where agencies are “simply not talking to each other,” such as when housing agencies are not contacted in advance of young people leaving custody.
The report highlights a “cliff-edge” of provision when young people reach the age of 18, with “little or no bridge” between youth offending teams and the probation service.
“The point at which some services end and others take over appears to be arbitrary and is inconsistent between services,” it says.
The report on cases of 76 young offenders helped by Revolving Doors also raises concern over the “far-reaching” impact on young people’s behaviour of high levels of childhood trauma linked to physical, emotional and psychological abuse.
“It is critically important that this trauma is recognised and understood if the young people are to stand any chance of engaging effectively with the services that are intended to support them,” the report says.
It also finds that young offenders have an average of two mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and psychosis, but are in a “catch 22” of being unable to access support services without a formal diagnosis.
Report from: www.revolving-doors.co.uk
