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Aberdeenshire ABC process solves u16 ASB

Area

Aberdeenshire

Intelligence - what was the nature of the antisocial behaviour?

The perpetrator, a 15 year old boy was involved in three specific instances of sustained anti social behaviour.

The first related to a sustained course of minor disorders at Peterhead Academy over a one year period.

The second related to a two year course of conduct including street related breaches of the peace, assaults and vandalisms.

The third related to an ongoing feud between two groups of local youths which resulted in several acts of malicious mischief to a skatepark. In both cases the 15 year old youth was identified as the main player.

After a police enquiry the youth was charged with one of the malicious mischiefs but strenously denied involvement.   

Involvement - which partners were involved?

Grampian Police
Aberdeenshire Council ASB Team
Childrens Reporter (Aberdeenshire)
Aberdeenshire Yorg
Aberdeenshire Council Education Department Social Work
Bernardo's

Intervention(s) - which intervention(s) were used and why?

Permission was gained in principal from Aberdeenshire YORG to apply for an ASBO.

An Anti Social Behaviour Case Conference was convened at which permission was granted to apply for an ABC. The case conference was a positive experience at which learning points were established because each participant was unaware of the full extent of the others knowledge and information concerning the perpetrators offending behaviour.

Implementation - how were the intervention methods realised in practice?

An ABC was drawn up in consultation with the worker from Bernardo's who had a one to one relationship with the perpetrator.

The terms of the ABC were to voluntarily refrain from attending at two specific locations and to refrain from being anti social.

This was backed up by the implementation of two separate short term PSP's to tackle the root causes of the problem / confrontations between the two groups of youths.

Impact - what were the outcomes for the perpetrator, the victims and the wider community?

Initially, the perpetrator agreed to sign the ABC and engaged in drafting the terms. However, on the date arranged for it to be signed he declined.

However, since the process was initiated in March, 2007 the perpetrator appears to have altered his offending behaviour voluntarily as there have been no further reported offences or instances of anti social behaviour.

Are there any practices/experiences you have gained during this Intervention that would influence the handling of future Interventions?

The main learning point is that the ABC process can be  a very powerful force for change even if it does not result in a full blown ABC. Involving differant agencies and partners in the process can send a strong signal that a change in offending behaviour is required.

It is frustrating that the intervention does not appear on any official statistics because the process entailed a committed period of work over a three month period.

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