Reasons behind the project: The Youth Justice Board (YJB) runs Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) throughout the UK which aim to reduce young offending. In July 2009, YJB launched the ‘Integrated Resettlement Support’ (IRS) funding to provide a voluntary tailored package of support for young offenders both in custody and for up to six months after their order has finished. Though more successful than no support at coordinating young people in to employment, training or education, six months is not enough time to maintain this transition and without additional support, young people often reoffend. The cost to society of an individual who offends is estimated at £78,040. In addition, mentoring programmes run by the YJB strongly emphasize the need for YOTs not to become too directly involved in running projects, as this can deter young people from taking part. This project proposal aims to provide a three year targeted project to prevent reoffending by supporting young offenders (through an established partnership) in to long-term employment, training and education (for at least one year without reoffending). If: • 70% successful, this will save society £1.6 million. The project: This proposal will aim to provide targeted independent support for a young offender for three years, starting in custody and then working with the young person over the next 2-3 years to support their resettlement into society, and their transition in to long-term education, training and employment. Building on a YOTs action plan for each young offender, the pilot will aim to provide: • 1:1 face-to-face independent and informal mentoring support to develop trust and help support a young person in custody and during the first six months of the IRS programme. This support will be critical in helping the volunteer mentor to build a strong relationship with the mentee post IRS. • 1:1 face-to-face and online independent and informal mentoring support for a young person to help them find and stay in education, employment or training. Mentors will specifically be able to provide ongoing advice, guidance and support to help the young person: o Maintain a tenancy; o Address issues about general health, wellbeing (e.g. staying off drugs); o Address ongoing financial concerns; o Address any personal issues (family/counter influence of inappropriate peer-pressure); o Stay in education, employment and training; o Prevent reoffending. • We will continue to coordinate activities between other charitable trusts such as the Prince’s Trust, Fairbridge and NACRO after the IRS funding has ceased, until the end of the 3 year pilot. Project end goals for mentees: At least 50% of young people have entered long-term employment, training and education (for at least one year without reoffending); Improvement in confidence, motivation, aspirations and self-belief; Improvement in communication, employability and life-skills; Greater knowledge of the opportunities available to them. Financial breakdown: BrightsideUNIAID is currently in the early stages of exploring this idea and is keen to work closely with funders and partners to help shape this proposal. We estimate funding required will be in the range of £100-£150K over the 3 years. If you are interested in getting involved or supporting this extremely worthwhile project please contact us.