We have created a data-analysis tool to help YOTs gather information on first-time entrants to the youth justice system. It enables YOTs, using data they already have on their database, to analyse emerging trend patterns, in terms of, for example, numbers, demographic patterns, gender, age and gravity scores.
There are two versions of the first-time entrants tool, which are compatible with YOTs’ existing systems for gathering data – YOIS and Careworks. Each version is also accompanied by extensive guidance notes on how to extract data from the YOT database, how to paste this data into the tool to generate graphs and charts and how to troubleshoot technical problems.
The resultant information is automatically displayed in a visual format, which can compare two periods chosen by the YOT, to establish a direction of trend. Each package also contains a linked PowerPoint presentation which can, when populated from the tool, support arguments to partners and stakeholders regarding first-time entrant trends in your area.
See below for the tools, templates and guidance (all links will open in new windows).
Careworks VB
YOIS
The YOIS tool Wizard file was kindly produced by YOIS information officers.
Why do YOTs need this tool?
The quality assurance process carried out by our prevention advisors in early 2007 revealed that a considerable number of YOTs were unable, or did not have the capacity, to effectively analyse data on first-time entrants in their area.
Many YOTs have said that the Police’s arrest policies may be affecting their ability to address the prevention performance indicator but they have no statistical data to back this up.
In addition, while YOTs in England are already experienced in local area agreement (LAA) negotiations, they have previously had to generate information on first-time entrants themselves, in support of their discussions around targets.
The first-time entrants tool aims to address these issues and can be used:
- within your YOT to target work to address offending behaviours
- with your YOT management board to report on progress against performance indicator 1 , LAA Children and Young People Plan (CYPP) targets, or to advocate for support, funding and partnership arrangements to address prevention issues
- at LAA board level (in England), to provide a rationale for first-time entrant target discussions
- within YOTs in Wales, to contribute to the development of local service boards and the Local Authority Community Strategy, in preparation for the advent of local service agreements
- working with Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and Community Safety Partnerships by informing discussions on anti-social behaviour and offending behaviour, as well as providing a detailed analysis of data for the Prevent and Deter strand of the Prolific and Other Priority Offenders Strategy
- at Local Strategic Partnership level (in England), to provide a clearly presented picture of the first-time entrants within a district
- at Government Office level (in England) to provide statistical evidence to support the inclusion of the first-time entrant target in LAAs
- working with Children and Young People’s Partnerships in Wales, to form part of the needs-analysis stage of the development of single Children and Young People’s Plans.
Note that the tool has been created by the YJB to help YOTs analyse data but YOTs are not required to either use it or report data from it.
The accompanying comprehensive guidance notes are intended to make use of the tool as trouble-free as possible, and should be checked before you call for technical assistance which, although available, will be limited by capacity.