Early Help and prevention in North Yorkshire
In North Yorkshire there are lots of services that help stop children from getting into trouble. These are run by:
- the council
- the police
- community groups
The aim is to help children early, before they start offending. This keeps everyone safer and gives children a better chance in life.
Early Help service
The Youth Justice Service is part of the Early Help team. They work together to offer early support to children and their families. They support children who have received youth cautions, those on the edge of crime and those at risk of getting into trouble. Based in local hubs, they ensure that children and families have quick and easy access to the best possible support and help when they need it.
Change Direction
Change Direction is a service for 10 to 17 year olds who might be at risk of crime or antisocial behaviour. Workers will support children by listening to them and helping them make better choices. The support could include:
- one-to-one sessions
- group work
- introducing them to other activities
Victims can also be involved through restorative justice, where everyone gets the chance to talk and make things right.
Find out more about North Yorkshire Youth. Their website includes information about other clubs and projects available in your area.
Turnaround
Turnaround is a three-year programme for children who need extra help but are not currently involved with the Youth Justice Service. It focuses on providing the right support at the right time to prevent problems from escalating. Activities are selected to keep children engaged and help them stay out of trouble.
Elevate
Elevate is a five-week group course for 10–17 year olds. It helps children understand the effects of crime, learn life skills, and make positive choices.
Sessions cover things like knife crime, antisocial behaviour, and how your actions affect others.
Operation Divan
Run by the North Yorkshire Police, Operation Divan supports children under 18 who might be carrying knives or other weapons. They work with schools and the Children and Families service and try to offer help within 72 hours of a concern being raised.
Stepping Up Project
Stepping Up is run by North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Sport. It helps 8 to 16 year olds who are at risk of getting into trouble, being excluded from school, or behaving antisocially. Sport and mentoring are used to build confidence and encourage better decisions.
Trusted Relationships
Trusted Relationships helps children who might be at risk of exploitation. For example, children who are being groomed, forced to commit crimes, or taken advantage of online. Workers build trust with the child through a strength-based approach and give ongoing support to keep them safe and help them make better choices.
Find out more about the Trusted Relationships Service on the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
Restorative Solutions
Restorative Solutions brings together the child who caused harm and the person who was harmed, so they can talk and find a positive way forward.
Parenting support
The Togetherness website has free online courses for parents in North Yorkshire. They cover things like mental health and understanding teenagers. You can use the code NYFamilies to sign up.
North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership
The North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website gives advice on how to keep children safe. It includes information on bullying, online abuse, and exploitation. It also lists local services that can support families.