More cash to support Youth Offending teams in Hampshire
The county's Police and Crime Commissioner will be funding it
Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner is putting an extra £357,000 a year towards preventing young people from committing crimes.
Donna Jones has agreed the funding package for the next three years - starting from April 2022.
Just over half of the cash will go towards the Hampshire wide Youth Offending Team - with the rest split between dedicated services for Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
Tackling crimes committed by young people is one of the PCC's current priorities, as part of the Hampshire Police and Crime Plan.
Figures show there were 945 'First Time Entrants' into the justice system per 100,000 of the 10-17 age group in the county between July 2020 and June 2021.
Hampshire PCC Donna Jones said:
“I am committed to reducing the number of young people committing crime. We need to prevent young people from taking drugs, carrying knives and causing harm to others. Young people need the right support at the right time to reduce their risk of being drawn into crime, maximise their full potential, and help them live positive lives.
"Bringing children into the Youth Justice System impacts on the future prospects of these young people and can create a cycle of behaviours. We need a greater focus on working with those identified as vulnerable or at risk to tackle the causes of their behaviour and prevent issues from escalating.”
The latest funding will be directed towards early intervention and prevention work with young people and families to support them to manage issues like offending behaviour, emotional and mental wellbeing, substance misuse, healthy relationships, access to education and employment, housing, and income.