Youth Justice Health Needs Assessment: Annual Report of the DPH 2023
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Authors
Whitfield, Helena
Bellamy, Gary
Choudhury, Tahrima
Lang, Nicola
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Issue Date
2023
Type
Other
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Abstract
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In this needs assessment, we outline the risk factors that may lead to offending in children in H&F, the characteristics of children in contact with the youth justice system, as well as offence types. We have also collated qualitative views from children in the borough, as well as the reflections of professionals working in the youth justice system.
In terms of risk factors for youth offending, H&F has higher levels of levels of parental substance misuse, child abuse and neglect than the London average, as well as higher
levels of domestic violence and family breakdown.
In terms of the school system, educational attainment, school absence and the number of children not in employment or training, these factors are all lower in H&F that the
London average, although school readiness is lower than the London average.
Key characteristics of children in the care of the youth justice system in H&F
• 159 young people were referred to the H&F YJS between April 2020 and March 2022, with 296 offences committed by young people in that time.
• In 2021, there were 18 first time entrants to the YJS in H&F, which equates to a lower rate compared with London and England.
• 35% of young persons in contact with YJSs reoffended in Hammersmith & Fulham, with an average of 6 previous offences per offender.
• 84% of young persons in contact with YJSs in Hammersmith & Fulham were male, with the most common age at referral to the YJS 17 years.
• Black and mixed ethnic groups are over-represented in YJS referrals, compared to the total population.
• Young persons in contact with YJSs are more likely to be not in education, employment or training, compared with the general population.
• In the borough, children in care account for 29% of young people who came into contact with the youth justice system, i.e. they are over-represented in our local youth justice system, similar to the rest of the country.
Health needs of children in the H&F YJS
• 53% of young persons in contact with YJSs were deemed to be at a high/very high risk of adverse Safety and Wellbeing outcomes.
• 52% of children in contact with the YJS were known to child and adolescent mental health services (over half), compared with CAMHS services nationally being aimed at 2% of the general population
• 72% of young persons in contact with YJSs revealed some evidence of substance misuse, compared with 24% in the general population.
• 35% of young persons in contact with YJSs had recorded concerns regarding their speech, language communication and neuro-disability, compared with 10% in the general population
• 21% of young persons in contact with YJSs had an identified special educational need or disability-this is difficult to benchmark with the general population of children
Young people’s views
• Young residents felt least safe on estates, transport, parks and playgrounds
• Increased police presence and more community engagement would let young residents feel more safe
• Young persons in contact with YJSs reported that the YJS was successful in helping them transition back into education and daily life, and had a good range of activities, although some felt that the YJS did not fully understand the actual issues and situations that they faced
• Young persons in contact with YJSs generally believed that they had committed an offence due to negative influences
Views of professionals in the YJS
• Stakeholders within the YJS felt that assessments (including performing joint assessments), multi-disciplinary teamwork, working in partnership with stakeholders including family members, and youth-informed programmes, are all areas within the Youth Justice system which work well
• Stakeholders suggested that adopting earlier identification practices and embedding these practices with schools would improve the Youth Justice system overall
Description
Citation
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. (2023) Youth Justice Health Needs Assessment: Annual Report of the DPH 2023.
Publisher
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham