Paul Ramsay Foundation’s Post

Today we have published an Inspection of Youth Justice Agency’s Youth Interventions. We looked at how well interventions met children’s desistance needs, as well as their safety and the safety of other people. The Inspection identifies strengths in how the Youth Justice Agency supports children, families and victims. They spoke highly of the staff and the support provided. Victims were also complementary, which helped build trust and reduce trauma when engaging with the justice system. Areas for improvement include: ➡ A better partnership working between Youth Justice Agency and its criminal justice partners ➡ A stronger strategic oversight of the overall youth justice vision and further enhancements to the high-quality services delivered. ➡ Retention of workforce Learn more about the Inspection at: https://lnkd.in/e4HpqeNs

The RDGIP, in collaboration with various community partners, achieved a remarkable 37% reduction in murders and a 13% decrease in overall violent crimes in Cleveland, a city known for high rates of violence. This success highlights the effectiveness of the RDGIP model. Over the past decade, RDGIP has engaged with 1,300 proven- risk youth aged 11-25 in the Cleveland area. The anticipated reduction in violence for 2024 underscores the lasting impact of the organization's programs. Notably, the demographic most responsible for violent crime in Cleveland falls within the 18-29 age range. Given that the 1,300 individuals served by RDGIP are now within this age group, it demonstrates the positive long-term outcomes of the program. This approach serves as a model for replicating similar results in Knoxville, TN! https://lnkd.in/e2QNgzK7.

Subject: Urgent Call for Government Action on Youth Violence and Gang Activity I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the escalating violence among youths in our communities, particularly in Caroline Springs. The situation has become increasingly alarming, with young individuals, some as young as 10 to 17 years old, engaging in dangerous behaviors such as carrying weapons and participating in gang-related activities. The recent stabbing of a 15-year-old has intensified fears of further conflict and unrest. It is imperative that the government take decisive action to address this crisis. The rising incidents of violence and gang rivalries signal a severe need for intervention. Increased police presence and more robust community safety measures are essential to restore order and protect our neighborhoods. Furthermore, the current approach to youth management and rehabilitation seems inadequate. There is a pressing need for new initiatives, such as establishing a structured boot camp program. Such a program could offer disciplined environments where at-risk youths can receive education, develop skills, and be guided towards positive behaviors. It is crucial for the government to assume responsibility and implement effective strategies to mitigate these issues. This includes not only enhancing law enforcement efforts but also investing in preventive measures and rehabilitation programs to address the root causes of youth violence. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I hope for prompt and effective action to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.

In light of the ONS report on VAWG in The Guardian, we call on this government and policymakers to take immediate action to address this pervasive issue. It is crucial that we come together to support victims and survivors, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need. According to a highly critical report from Whitehall's spending watchdog, "disjointed" efforts meant VAWG was a "significant and growth problem" affecting one in 12 women in England and Wales and causing physical, mental, social and financial harm to survivors. This violence not only affects those directly involved but also has lasting impact on families and communities. We must prioritise education, prevention and support systems that empower victims to seek help and escape abusive situations. I am committed to raising awareness and advocating for change to help protect victims. We must call on the government to enhance funding for support services, provide necessary training for professionals and implement community programmes aimed at prevention and education. We have to start having those conversations that will create change if we are going to achieve the commitment to halve VAWG, now. https://lnkd.in/g6rDCNCD

The impact assessment (#IA) effectively substantiates the need for a recast of the #ChildSexualAbuseDirective, to expand the definitions of #offences, and introduce higher #penalties and more specific #requirements for #prevention and #assistance for victims. more information and direct download: https://lnkd.in/d_mSfBCv

The University of Newcastle's Name.Narrate.Navigate.360 program has secured over $2.1 million in funding to support young men and boys at risk of family, domestic, and sexual violence. In partnership with Allambi Care, this trauma-informed initiative offers counseling and psychoeducation to break cycles of violence as part of Australia’s national early intervention trial. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e7cUDWXD

We have re-launched our National Quality Standards (NQS) - the only accreditation that recognises and represents the work of specialist women-led domestic abuse services in England. These standards effectively evidence the enormous impact that our member organisations have when it comes to offering dedicated, lifesaving domestic abuse services that focus on the needs and experiences of survivors. The Women’s Aid Standards are entirely unique in the domestic abuse, and wider violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector, as they encompass the entirety of the specialist domestic abuse service provision. The updated NQS now reflect new legislation, guidance and research. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eM7gX_Un

Yesterday, we attended a roundtable with the Inspectorates and other stakeholders following the launch of their Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) for serious youth violence. We were invited to discuss our report 'Who Cares?' - an independent consultation commissioned by Ofsted, to amplify young people and parent's experiences of multi-agency support services. 'Who Cares?' is a vital piece of work that ensured that young people and parent's voices were heard as part of the JTAI. 'Who Cares?' offers insights into young people and parents' experiences with multi-agency safeguarding, shedding light on challenges like lack of empathy, poor collaboration and barriers to support. It also showcases the transformative potential that compassionate and well-coordinated care can have when agencies collaborate effectively. The message from young people and parents is clear: they need services to listen, care and act with empathy and accountability. We would like to sincerely thank all the young people and parents who participated in this research ❤️ Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/e_MmC2mm

🚨 Community Violence Intervention at a Critical Crossroads🚨 A field evolving from scattered, grant-funded programs into an emerging profession helping build a civilian public safety infrastructure now faces a defining moment. But political threats and funding uncertainty put this progress at risk. Like early public health or educational innovations, transformative solutions need time to mature and evolve. Will we give this emerging field the chance to fulfill its potential? https://lnkd.in/g9ywUxqG

Our submission of evidence to the Youth Select Committee Inquiry: Social Media and Youth Violence, emphasises that links between social media and violence cannot be addressed in isolation. Preventing violence requires a long-term commitment to tackling structural risk factors and delivering trauma-informed, holistic support. This includes therapy, education, employment support, and promoting safe and positive use of social media. Catch22’s The Social Switch Project has been instrumental in equipping parents, professionals, and trusted adults to support young people in managing their digital lives and identifying early signs of harm. Funded by London's Violence Reduction Unit, the project has trained over 2,300 professionals, with 98% reporting an increased understanding of young people’s use of social media and 94% improving their safeguarding practices. Our core recommendations include investing in digital resilience, strengthening enforcement of the Online Safety Act, and fostering stronger collaboration between social media platforms, the voluntary sector, and statutory bodies. Together, we can create safer environments for children and young people – both online and offline. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e4Zg-yew