by Dean WoodwardPortsmouth University's critical study of the effectiveness of ISSPs is wide of the mark argues youth offending specialist Dean Woodward
The call to "scrap" intensive supervision and surveillance programmes (ISSP) by the University of Portsmouth seems incredibly bold.
I don't know if it is the assumption that the snapshot survey in Portsmouth of two youth offending teams is representative of the 157 across England and Wales, or if it is the sensationalised quotes from the clients ("I should have gone to custody"; "I can't get out of bed", etc) that I find the most surprising. Or it may be the simplistic solutions proposed, such as needing to find a new environment and new peers, and to teach job-related skills to reduce re-offending.
I'm sure there is a research rule that explains how two YOTs can
statistically represent 157, so I am not going down that road.
But, in terms of the sensationalised statements from young offenders, I have a few comments.
Not many teenagers enjoy getting out of bed in the morning. But a morning routine is essential to be able to participate in society. For a young person used to getting out of bed at lunch time, it is a very difficult adjustment - which is why ISSPs are vital in supporting young people to attend essential appointments, such as college or work, and develop a new morning routine.
The other statement from a young offender about deserving to go to custody for their offences sounds like a mature reflection from a young person who is grasping an understanding of the consequences of their actions. It would be easy to sensationalise any comment from a young person that was delivered off the cuff, and an interview environment might perpetuate the bravado of the young person involved.
Suggested alternatives
Then there are the solutions offered as an alternative to ISSPs by Portsmouth University, including strong boundaries, structured mentoring, a new environment, and new peers.
Given that ISSPs often come with a three-month curfew order and 25 hours per week of activities and supervision, and that its enforcement is enshrined in legislation and national standards, it is hard to understand how boundaries can be emphasised much more.
Many councils have structured mentoring, and in some cases it complements an ISSP. Mentoring can be a rich experience for both the young person and the mentor who volunteers their time to support, coach and guide them into adulthood. But it would be interesting to see how volunteer, community mentors can provide in practice the boundaries Portsmouth University has identified young offenders as needing when there are perceived inadequacies with compliance with statutory interventions.
New environment
Finally, the proposed solution of a new environment and peers. Is the environment the young offender's neighbourhood or their family? Is the proposal to physically move the young offenders to another neighbourhood?
Yes, there is a high reoffending rate among people subject to an ISSP. But this is to be expected of young people entrenched in the type of serious offending that warrants the imposition of a sentence with such a high tariff as an ISSP in the first place.
The ISSP provides a structured and intensive alternative to custody. Without it, yet more young people would be handed cusodial sentences.
Since the ISSP was introduced seven years ago, I, as a YOT officer and manager have seen the benefits of the support that it can offer in getting young people to comply with the conditions of their community order.
Dean Woodward is assistant director of Lambeth Specialist Youth Services
➔ Read about Portsmouth's University's ISSP review
But, in terms of the sensationalised statements from young offenders, I have a few comments.
Not many teenagers enjoy getting out of bed in the morning. But a morning routine is essential to be able to participate in society. For a young person used to getting out of bed at lunch time, it is a very difficult adjustment - which is why ISSPs are vital in supporting young people to attend essential appointments, such as college or work, and develop a new morning routine.
The other statement from a young offender about deserving to go to custody for their offences sounds like a mature reflection from a young person who is grasping an understanding of the consequences of their actions. It would be easy to sensationalise any comment from a young person that was delivered off the cuff, and an interview environment might perpetuate the bravado of the young person involved.
Suggested alternatives
Then there are the solutions offered as an alternative to ISSPs by Portsmouth University, including strong boundaries, structured mentoring, a new environment, and new peers.
Given that ISSPs often come with a three-month curfew order and 25 hours per week of activities and supervision, and that its enforcement is enshrined in legislation and national standards, it is hard to understand how boundaries can be emphasised much more.
Many councils have structured mentoring, and in some cases it complements an ISSP. Mentoring can be a rich experience for both the young person and the mentor who volunteers their time to support, coach and guide them into adulthood. But it would be interesting to see how volunteer, community mentors can provide in practice the boundaries Portsmouth University has identified young offenders as needing when there are perceived inadequacies with compliance with statutory interventions.
New environment
Finally, the proposed solution of a new environment and peers. Is the environment the young offender's neighbourhood or their family? Is the proposal to physically move the young offenders to another neighbourhood?
Yes, there is a high reoffending rate among people subject to an ISSP. But this is to be expected of young people entrenched in the type of serious offending that warrants the imposition of a sentence with such a high tariff as an ISSP in the first place.
The ISSP provides a structured and intensive alternative to custody. Without it, yet more young people would be handed cusodial sentences.
Since the ISSP was introduced seven years ago, I, as a YOT officer and manager have seen the benefits of the support that it can offer in getting young people to comply with the conditions of their community order.
Dean Woodward is assistant director of Lambeth Specialist Youth Services
➔ Read about Portsmouth's University's ISSP review
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