Council and democracy

Early support to spot youth problems and prevent escalation

The Youth Early Support Panel (YES) brings local services with secondary schools together to spot vulnerable youngsters aged between 11-16. The panel then assesses needs and quickly co-ordinates support before early problems escalate into something worse.

After undergoing local trials, the project is being given greater emphasis under the intervention and prevention arrangements being introduced in the borough as part of the long-term measures under Operation Safe for All.

Although anyone can make a referral to the panel, most are expected from schools themselves where staff are usually among the first to spot when a young person is at an early stage of experiencing difficulties. If the youngster and his or her parents would like the panel's assistance there will be early discussions about what would be helpful. 

The next stage of the project's development is to set up the means through which young people can have confidence to approach the panel themselves.
 
Feedback to date has been positive. Quoting just one case study, the Department of Children, Schools and Families says that having a lead professional to talk to and to plan a range of positive activities during the summer has helped a teenaged girl who'd been involved in school fights and parental rows get her life back on track. Since receiving the panel's support she has not been in any further trouble.

Said cabinet member for children's services and adult learning, Councillor Maria Gatland: "We know that some young people have found it difficult to get the help they need before things have become more serious. By meeting and working together, services can provide appropriate help more quickly and effectively and stop a problem from escalating. The value of these early support panels is that they comprise a small team of well-connected staff who can ensure swift help."

Following referral, panels will plan actions and offer the youngster a package of support, information and guidance along with learning and development opportunities including counselling, careers advice, extra support at school, health advice and a shoulder to lean on. They also plan family support where appropriate.

Added Councillor Gatland: “We believe this way of working is simpler for young people and their families. It is more efficient and helps prevent more difficult problems from developing. It's a fundamental principle of 'Safe for All' which balances enforcement with intervention and prevention. Our overall aim is to stop young people getting into trouble and the early support panels are a critical way of doing this."