A youth offending team that confronts youngsters with the reality of crime has been praised by inspectors.
Kingston’s youth offending service (YOS) was praised for its work to reduce re-offending and promote safeguarding the public by the probation inspectorate.
Referral co-ordinator Wendy Whyatt said: “We try to show them what it’s like if they continue to offend.
“We make this become real. We say if you go into prison this is going to be your uniform, you are going to have to wear this, you don’t have any choice. We get them to try the toothpaste, which is disgusting. It brings it all to life.”
YOS works with offenders, aged 10 to 18, as well as their families, friends and community, from the prevention stage, right through to re-offending.
The report makes five recommendations for improvement, which the team will address in a plan to be submitted to the Inspectorate of Probation in four weeks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here