What we do

The aims of the Barnardo's New Directions Service are:

• to reduce offending behaviour of young people who persistently offend, and provide this service across the Children’s Hearing and Criminal Justice Systems
• to provide intensive community-based programmes which offer a positive alternative to secure accommodation, referral to the Criminal Justice System and custodial sentences
• to support young people through and beyond secure accommodation when they have been placed there due to persistent and serious offending behaviour
• to use and develop what is known from research to contribute to improving practice and policy in Scotland
• to help young people towards a more positive future and, overall, contribute towards a safer community
• to work with young people who are at risk of, or subject to, an Anti-Social Behaviour Order
• to assist young people attending the project to address problematic substance misuse (where appropriate)

Objectives

• to provide the Children’s Hearing and Criminal Justice systems with a credible and effective service to address persistent and serious offending
• to provide direct services to young people who offend, are placed in secure accommodation, and liaise with other agencies to effect a smooth transition back into the community
• to carry out a full detailed assessment which identifies and addresses any pattern in offending behaviour and underpinning attitudes and beliefs
• to raise awareness in young people of the impact of crime on the victims, themselves, their families and their community
• to create opportunities for young people to maximise their full potential through education, training and employment
• to provide an aftercare and drop-in service to continue to support young people to desist from offending behaviour
• to provide direct interventions and referral/liaison/advice to help young people attending the project who are involved in substance misuse

Assessment

Engaging young people in a programme which involves a high level of commitment is difficult and challenging and our staff work hard to develop a relationship based on honesty and trust. The assessment period normally takes approximately eight weeks, profiling of offending behaviour is completed and subsequently an action plan is drawn up highlighting issues required to be addressed. The Asset assessment tool is used to examine contributory factors relating to offending behaviour, and gives an indication of risk of re-offending and of risk of harm.

Intervention

Action plans are individually tailored to address issues relating to criminality and also take account of the young person’s learning style using a range of resources. Young people have at least two contacts weekly with their project worker and the police provide weekly information on any offending concerns. The work is based on a cognitive behavioural approach and challenges the young person to examine their beliefs and attitudes that support their offending behaviour. At the same time the young person is supported towards a more positive lifestyle. Our staff are sincere in their commitment to create and sustain an environment of positive growth and change. Regular progress meetings take place at which time progress is assessed and the action plan is adjusted accordingly. Young people are encouraged to fully contribute to assessment, goal-setting, reports and progress meetings. A multi-agency approach is crucial if we are to meet the needs of young people involved, and the project has forged excellent links with other agencies.

Aftercare and Drop-in Service

We have been able to offer an aftercare and drop-in service to support young people to sustain progress and desist from offending.