Newtownabbey & Carrickfergus Youth Justice Community Services[NI]
Age Group: young people aged 10 – 18 years
Specific Interest Group: young people who are coming to the attention of the Criminal Justice System
How are Children and Young People Involved?
We use a systemic multi-modal model to explore underlying issues related to offending behaviour, e.g. relationships, family issues, alcohol/drug-abuse, bereavement.
The programmes are tailored to meet individual needs which may take the form of e.g. individual, family, group work and educational support services.
What we do:
1) Providing community-based services.
2) Working with young people sent to us by the courts or referred by other agencies.
3) Operating safe, secure and caring environments that address the needs of the young person whilst reducing the risk to and from others.
4) Provide training linked to effective programmes that help young people avoid and prevent crime.
5) Taking into account the views of victims of crime and using restorative principles in our work.
6) Continually evaluating the effectiveness of our work.
7) Work in partnership with other statutory and voluntary agencies.
AREA COVERED – POPULATION BASE:
Area covered by Newtownabbey & Carrickfergus Project would be:
Glengormley
Newtownabbey
Mallusk
Ballyclare
Greenisland
Carrickfergus
Eden
Whitehead
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS:
1) To raise public awareness and confidence in the Youth Justice Agency.
2) To stage PR events to relevant agencies and bodies.
3) To develop more meaningful links with the community.
4) To develop a Youth Diversion forum (addressing youth crime).
5) The possible development of a Parents Support Group in the evening to provide a more comprehensive service.
6) To develop restorative practices and perform reparation.
7) Attempt to develop an effective mental health strategy.
8) Develop services for the needs of 17-year-olds now in the Youth Justice System.
LINKAGE WITH CAMHS:
The Project has had approximately 6 referrals from CAMHS. Referrers would have been Peter Simpson, Dr Wilson and Fin Wykes. Not all referrals were accepted due to not fitting the criteria.
The Project Manager will also be sitting on the Tier II Newtownabbey Group (Peter Donnan, Acting Project Manager).
Contacts
PETER DONNAN
The Norah Bain ‘A’ House
Whiteabbey Hospital
Doagh Road
Newtownabbey
BT37 9RH
Email Doreen Best [doreen.best@yjani.gov.uk]
Tel: 028 9086 2990
