research report

Thematic review of youth offender casework

The focus of the thematic review was on those aspects of casework which are unique to youth offenders or are particularly problematic.

These included:
• the quality of youth offender charging decisions including pre-court disposals
• the application of the ‘grave crime’ provisions and other related provisions under S51 Crime and Disorder Act 1998 as amended
• the quality of remand applications in respect of youth offenders
• the role of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in preventing offending.

Signposts: see me, hear me, talk to me - talk to my family as well

Short paper that aims to share evidence based practice, promote local discussion and encourage improved outcomes. It does not seek to amend or replace existing statutory guidance that may be in place.

It offers some signposts to effective practice, local conversations and partnership working with a focus on improved outcomes for young carers and their families. These can be shared and taken forward locally in line with local needs and circumstances.

Ending gang and youth violence: a cross-government report

Report that is an important first analysis of the problem of gangs and the interventions that work. It provides a platform for the intensive support that government will provide to areas most affected by this serious problem.

The report is the first ever truly cross-government approach to tackling gang and youth violence. It has been drawn up in close consultation with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and other Cabinet Ministers.

Family justice review: final report

Final report, which reflects conclusions following well over 600 responses to our consultation and input from meetings in many parts of the country. We have also had the benefit of the Justice Select Committee's report on the operation of the family courts, published in July. This final report aims to be a free standing document but does not analyse the issues facing the family justice system in the detail of the interim report. It sets out final recommendations for reform, highlighting where these have changed and where they have not.

Completing the revolution: transforming mental health and tackling poverty

Mental health is an issue that the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has considered in many of its previous reports, particularly those relating to family breakdown, criminal justice (courts and sentencing and prison reform), children in care and street gangs. Its work focusing on the poorest communities has highlighted time and again the extremely high prevalence of mental ill-health and the compounding effect that it has on people and families already battling to live amongst challenging circumstances.

From one to many: the risks of frequent excessive drinking

Project that looked at those who we have termed ‘risky drinkers’ who are increasing the risk to their future health by their high alcohol consumption.

The report focuses on individual screening for alcohol consumption to identify risky drinkers and the provision of Brief Interventions to tackle this drinking behaviour. The challenges to delivery of this kind of early treatment in GP practices is discussed and recommendations
for implementation of more universal screening and provision of Brief Interventions are made.

Asset stripping: Child Trust Funds and the demise of the assets agenda

Based on analysis of available data and literature, as well as interviews with key stakeholders this paper provides a short history of the Child Trust Fund (CTF) and Saving Gateway (SG) in the UK, identifying the key rationale and drivers for their development.

It analyses the available data on the success and limitations of these policies, and consider the abolition of the CTF and cancellation of the SG.