The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) exists to prevent children from becoming involved in violence, by identifying what works and translating evidence into practice.
This winter, we’ll publish guidance, with evidence-based recommendations, on the role of the youth sector in reducing violence.
The first of three emerging insights from this work is around universal provision.
Local youth clubs, though open access, are often attended by children vulnerable to violence, including those excluded from school or supported by social workers. Black children, who are disproportionately affected by violence, are also more likely to attend.
Our research shows youth club closures are linked to increased crime: areas with no youth clubs saw a 14 per cent rise in youth offending.
Councils can strengthen the impact of universal youth provision by mapping access for vulnerable children, establishing clubs in underserved areas, and supporting staff with training.
Second, in respect of targeted provision, the evidence supports mentoring as a way of fostering supportive adult relationships.
Targeted sports also help promote engagement and structure, and providers should consider adventure, wilderness and arts activities to reach children with different interests.
Finally, to be effective, youth provision must align with need and opportunity. So, your strategic planning needs to consider things such as service coverage (for example, ensuring access in high-need areas) and timing (focusing on peak risk periods, for example 4-8pm).
There also needs to be a commitment to long-term funding to build trust and sustainability.
While our Youth Sector Practice Guidance will be published this winter, our YEF toolkit is available now.
The toolkit provides a practical overview of existing research on preventing children and young people becoming involved in violence. It sets out what works (for example, mentoring) and what doesn’t (bootcamps), rated for cost, evidence and impact.
See Youth Endowment Fund website for more information.