CYCJ UNVEILS FINAL EVALUATION REPORT OF GROUNDBREAKING ‘INCLUSION AS PREVENTION’ PROJECT
The Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ) is thrilled to announce the release of the final evaluation report for the innovative project, Inclusion as Prevention (IAP). This community-driven initiative, in collaboration with South Lanarkshire Council, Action for Children, and Dartington Service Design Lab, has made significant strides in reshaping the design and delivery of services for children and young people at risk of offending.
Core Values and Methodology
The IAP project is rooted in four core values:
- Empowering: Providing young people with the tools and support they need to influence decisions affecting their lives.
- Inclusive: Ensuring that all voices, especially those of the young and marginalised, are heard and valued.
- Collaborative: Working together with local authorities, communities, and young people to co-design effective solutions.
- Innovative: Employing creative approaches to address the root causes of offending and to support early intervention.
Transformative Impact and Achievements
The project’s approach involved shifting from acute, crisis-driven interventions to early, inclusive support for young people at risk of offending. By engaging in ten ‘tests of change,’ children and young people were given the space, support, and time to identify and address areas they were passionate about. This iterative, collaborative process has led to several impactful initiatives, including the development of family support hubs and a new programme of learning and development for social workers in South Lanarkshire.
Key Phases of the Project
- Year 1 (2019): Conducted a scoping study to gather information on national services, best practices, and developments in prevention and early intervention across Scotland.
- Year 2: Focused on engaging with children, families, communities, and practitioners in South Lanarkshire, despite the challenges posed by local lockdowns and restrictions.
- Year 3: Led 5-6 tests of change based on the insights from Year 2, resulting in practical improvement initiatives within South Lanarkshire Council.
- Years 4-5: Built on the work of the initial years, leading to sustained changes in practice and a culture shift towards inclusion and relational forms of practice.
Partner Endorsement
Diane Dobbie, Service Manager with South Lanarkshire Council praised the project, stating, “IAP has offered a significant contribution to cultural change in South Lanarkshire, where there is greater inclusion and power-sharing with children and young people. Their voice and perspective have assisted us in a range of different ways, including the development of our family support hubs and, going forward, contributing to the development of our contextual safeguarding approach and strategy.”
Fiona Dyer, Director of the CYCJ said “The Inclusion as Prevention project has been a pivotal initiative for CYCJ, underscoring the immense value of early intervention and inclusive practices in youth justice. By working in close partnership with South Lanarkshire Council, Action for Children, and Dartington Service Design Lab, we have been able to co-create solutions that truly resonate with the needs and voices of young people. This collaborative approach has not only fostered greater empowerment and inclusion but has also set a new benchmark for how we can address the root causes of offending. The positive outcomes and cultural shifts achieved through this project highlight the crucial importance of collective effort and shared commitment to improving the lives of children and young people.”
Ryan Mcquigg, Campaigns, Advocacy and Policy Advisor for Scotland at Action for Children, said: “We’re so proud the Inclusion as Prevention (IAP) project ensured young people had the opportunity and freedom to express their views in ways which suited them. I hope the project’s legacy will be a continuation of co-design and partnership with young people across more local authorities and services.
It’s important to remember co-design is about more than only hearing young people, we need to be listening and acting on what they say.
The IAP project was a great example of this, and serves as proof we can provide appropriate early and inclusive support for young people when they themselves have identified what is needed. For example, their insights being used in the development of family support hubs in South Lanarkshire which Action for Children are now helping to deliver.
These learnings offer new opportunities across Scotland which we should all take on board and use to help deliver The Promise.”
Looking Ahead
CYCJ remains dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children and young people. The successes of Inclusion as Prevention will continue to inform future initiatives, aiming to create a more just and inclusive society for all young people.
To access the full evaluation report, please click here