YISPs aim to prevent anti-social behaviour and offending by those 8 to 13-year-olds (up to 17 in some areas) who are considered to be at high risk of offending and anti-social behaviour. There are currently around 220 YISPs nationally.
They are multi-agency planning groups that offer early intervention based on assessed risk and need. Parenting support in the form of contracts and programmes is offered as part of a range of tailored interventions.
YISPs have been designed to help the YJB achieve its corporate target of reducing the number of first-time entrants into the criminal justice system by 5% by 2008. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including the YJB prevention grant and the 25% of Children’s Fund monies allocated to youth crime prevention.
Support and monitoring is provided to YOTs through the YJB’s regional network of prevention performance advisers, who ensure the effective and efficient functioning of YISPs and other prevention programmes.
Research
Click to download Youth Inclusion and Support Panels: Preventing Crime and Antisocial Behaviour? [opens in new window] from the Department for Children, Schools and Families website.
This research, by the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and the Newcastle Centre for Family Studies, was initially commissioned in 2003 and then extended in 2005, in liaison with the YJB, to evaluate YISPs. Published in September 2007, it focuses more on implementation and processes than outcomes, and provides an important contribution to the evidence base that could underpin future policies and new programme initiatives.
YISP Management Guidance
YISP Management Guidance was sent out to YOTs and YISPs in October 2004. The document examines the context for YISPs, including national policy, the evidence base for early intervention and the legislative framework.
In addition, it explains the aims, objectives and underlying principles of YISPs, as well as providing a detailed account of:
- how to establish a YISP
- decisions local areas will need to make at each stage of the set-up
- identifying the target group
- management and staffing arrangements
- operation of the panel.
Additional copies of the YISP Management Guidance are now available to order at a cost of £39. To place an order, go to the Publications area of this website or call our publications line on 0870 120 7400, or fax 0870 120 7401.
YISP tools and templates
The following documents are also provided on the CD-ROM that accompanies YISP Management Guidance. Note that all links open in new windows.
Quality Standards
The eight Quality Standards allow YISPs to assess their practices and procedures against clearly defined criteria. The YJB encourages programmes to complete and review this self-assessment process on a regular basis. There are separate versions for English and Welsh programmes. All links open in new windows.
YISP contact details
YISPs should, in general and where appropriate, be contacted through the relevant YOT (see YOT contact details).