Huge success of youth crime project sees UK roll-out calls

A YOUTH crime programme which has been running in Middlesbrough has been hailed a success, prompting calls for a national roll-out.

- By KIRSTIE MCCRUM [e-mail] @TeessideLive

Middlesbrough Council has been working with national charity SHiFT for the last nine months to work differently with children and young people at greatest risk of crime and exploitation.

SHiFT Middlesbrough brings together professionals providing intensive, consistent, personalised support to children and young people for at least 18 months, doing whatever it takes to set them up for safe and bright futures.

SHiFT currently works alongside 121 children and their families in five practices across the UK, including 27 in Middlesbrough.

The council praised the project's "impressive results" for the 108 children who have completed the programme to date, as arrests fall by 51%, proven offences reduced by 41% and reported missing episodes down by 58%.

The organisation's work also helps to cut costs by reducing the need for more expensive social care placements and alternative education provision. The council's partnership with SHiFT costs around £11,000 per young person for an 18-month period of support.