Commissioner commits £180k for youth

The Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner has committed £180,000 across Dyfed-Powys for the four Youth Offending and Prevention Services.

This funding represents an increased investment on the £100,000 that was provided last year and will help to ensure the continuation of vital prevention activity in a time of financial challenges and budget reductions.

This funding across the four counties will support the work of the teams to prevent young people from entering the criminal justice system and to help break the cycle of re-offending.

Locally, the Powys Youth Justice Service will receive a cash injection.

Commissioner Dafydd Llewelyn (pictured on the left) said: “Reducing the number of young people entering the criminal justice system is an absolute priority for me – and investment in prevention and early intervention is essential in achieving this. It has been demonstrated that prevention services are vital in reducing the number of young people being criminalised – and this funding is one of the ways in which I am supporting specialist teams and services to provide essential support to our young people.”

Powys Youth Justice Service will provide structured interventions for identified young people (aged eight to 18 years) to reduce their risk of becoming involved in offending or antisocial behaviour.

The level of support offered will vary according to individual need and can involve both 1:1 and group work sessions within the community. Those at the higher level of risk will be offered tailored interventions to address their complex level of need using a range of approaches.

The services will also link with other partners such as schools, youth support services, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Dyfed-Powys Police to deliver structured programmes and activities to target those at risk of offending.

For further information on commissioned services and other ongoing projects to prevent crime and offending, please visit www.dyfedpowys-pcc.org.uk