The London Accommodation Pathfinder Project: A pro-social programme for black and ethnic minority boys

• In Event: Juvenile Justice 3. Emerging Issues in Juvenile Justice Research

Abstract

There is currently a dearth of suitable alternative provision to custody in London and little incentive for any one of the organisations involved to invest in a new provision. This was emphasised in the ‘Case for Change’ report which highlighted the drastic need for alternatives to custodial sentences and the need to provide the catalyst for transformation. The LAP aims to improve outcomes for children through alternative pathways to custody at remand, post- sentence and resettlement. This includes improving mental health, self-esteem, employability skills and reducing re-offending. The psychologically informed community-based approach has been proven to deliver better outcomes than custody. This directly supports the Ministry of Justice vision to deliver a world class justice system that works for everyone in society and the strategic priority that the system reforms offenders. Providing a new life-building, and pro-social pathway for children. Specifically black and ethnic minority boys who are significantly overrepresented in custody secured units across the UK.
This presentation is based on the midway evaluation report which focused on the lessons learnt from the programme set-up and a unique insight into the perspective of the children taking part. This research was funded by the Camden Borough Council (London, UK), led by Dr Elena Martellozzo, Professor Anthony Goodman and supported by Dr Ruth Spence, Paula Bradbury, Sabrina Holness and Sue Mulcahy.

Authors

• Elena Martellozzo, Middlesex University

• Paula Bradbury, Middlesex University

• Ruth Spence, Middlesex University