The Young Adult Service has been running since 2015, originally known as 18-25 Triage, the initial focus was on victim support and aimed at 18–21-year-old students living in Cardiff. However, much of the focus now, is supporting those aged 18-25 who are offending or at risk of offending. The service now runs across South Wales and Gwent, with 9 case managers working to support around 800 young adults every year.
“The support from my case manager has helped me in so many ways, she always listens and never judges me. I can talk about anything with her because she wants me to better myself, and she gives me the belief that I can” – Feedback from a Young Adult who accessed the service
Referral Types
We work to support Young Adults who have come through to the service via two different referral pathways. The first is an Out of Court Disposal pathway, that can only be accessed by South Wales and Gwent Police. Here we work to support Young Adults who have committed a low-level offence, this may include offences such a criminal damage, public order, assault or possession of illegal substances. These Young Adults are required to complete several sessions with their allocated case manager, including education around the offence with the purpose of minimising and preventing further offending. For those who complete the Out of Court Disposal requirements, they will not receive a criminal record.
The second is a voluntary pathway, that can be accessed by South Wales and Gwent Police, as well as our dedicated arrest referral workers, who will speak with any Young Adults, aged 18-25, who have found themselves in police custody, for any offence. Here we work to address their offending behaviour, but we can also offer support for a variety of different needs. We can also offer the same voluntary support for Young Adults who have completed the Out of Court Disposal requirements.
Support
Our main purpose is to divert Young Adults away from the Criminal Justice System by supporting them to overcome barriers, access opportunities and develop the skills to transform their lives. We can do this through one-to-one sessions, workshops and creative activities that will help Young Adults to achieve their full potential.
Each support plan developed, is tailored to the individual support needs of the Young Adult we are supporting. We can offer support for a range of needs including, but not limited to mental health, accommodation, substance misuse, finances, managing emotions and healthy relationships. Appointments are also arranged to suit the Young Adult, whether this is around their working hours, or in a specific location to help relieve any anxiety or worry.
Typically, educational sessions around offending behaviour can range from educational workshops, structured interventions, to general conversations which are all used to change thinking pattern and to discuss the consequences of engaging in these types of behaviours.
We also refer on and support young people to access wider support services; to ensure that they receive the most relevant and specialised support for their needs. This includes; supporting people to access groups, activities and attending appointments with our Young Adults to help relieve any uncertainty they may have around accessing other services. We also frequently liaise with services to be sure that the support offered between the services is appropriate and eliminate any repetition.
Although we focus on Early Intervention, which means Young Adults would typically not be open for a sustained period of time. We tailor this, for each individual person and if a longer period of support is required, this is something we can provide.
“In the first instance, I assumed that he would not interact as he has terminated support with other services in the past. But due to his case manager’s professional but empathic approach, she gained his trust and he engaged in response” – Feedback from a Carer of a Young Adult
Eligibility
We are happy to provide support for any 18-25 male or female who has either committed an offence or is at a high risk of offending. We are currently unable to provide support to any individuals that are actively open to probation services.
We can offer our support to any Young Adult who lives across South Wales and Gwent, this includes University Students who may be living in this area for study purposes. Areas include; Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Cardiff, The Vale, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Newport and Monmouthshire.
Depending on the needs of the individual; females may be allocated to our partner One Wales Women’s Service who offer the same level of support as ourselves.
