The number of young people in Swindon who are reoffending is below the national average, according to figures released by the Youth Justice Board.
The national reoffending rate for young people aged between 10 and 18 is 32.8%, compared to 27% in Swindon.
Although Swindon’s figures are below the national average the town’s Youth Offending Team is working with young people who require in depth assessment and intervention to change more complex and challenging offending behaviour.
The figures also show that the number of first time young offenders has fallen by 27.3% since 2005/06, equivalent to 108 young people who have avoided turning to crime.
Cllr David Renard, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This is really good news and shows that our young people are showing the maturity and understanding needed to remain good citizens.
“Young people in Swindon are clearly responding positively to the work being done by staff who represent the Town’s Youth Offending and Early Interventions team.”
The Youth Offending Team’s main objectives are to bring down rates of anti-social behaviour and youth crime. The team is made up of staff from Swindon Borough Council’s Children’s Services department, including social workers, health and education welfare officers, as well as the Probation service and Police. All the agencies play a critical role in working alongside young offenders to change their behaviour.
Kevin Leaning, Head of the Youth Offending Service, said: “The fact we have kept reoffending rates below national averages, as well as one of the lowest rates in the South West, is testament to the team’s working practice and skills.
“We are especially pleased with the reduction in numbers of first time entrants into the youth justice system, and this is due in part to the educational films we commissioned last year and distributed free of charge to all schools.”
To learn more about the re offending data, or to volunteer your time as a volunteer with the YOT, please contact Blair Staynings at the YOT on 01793 823153 or email yot@swindon.gov.uk