Countywide Initiatives - Youth Referral Schemes

This scheme identifies young people who are involved in repeat anti-social behaviour. It has been developed to involve parents and schools in addressing the problem with the young person, and supports the evidence gathering exercise if, say, the decision to seek an Anti-Social Behaviour Order is made. It involves an officer submitting a Youth Referral form when he/she attends an incident of anti-social behaviour. The young person's details are included on a database and an initial letter will be sent to their parent/carer.

Should that young person come to notice again within a 6-month period then a further letter will be sent to theparent/carer as well as one to their school. Should the young personcome to notice on a third occasion within the 6-month period then an agency meeting is arranged. This will involve the young person and parent/carer, the school, the police and any other agency that may have an interest in that young person.At this stage an Acceptable Behaviour contract (ABC) will be agreed upon.

The scheme intends to reduce the incidents of youth anti-social behaviour by identifying those young people at an early stage. This early intervention will hopefully reduce the resources on thepolice and other agencies.

For further information contact:

Sergeant Steve Brown
Neighbourhood Policing Team
Police HQ
Hutton
Preston

01772 412710
steve.brown@lancashire.pnn.police.uk