Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Two out of three young people who are seen by the Carmarthenshire Youth Offending and Prevention Service (YOPS) do not get into further trouble, figures show. The YOPS works with around 100 to 120 young people, at any given time, who are on court orders and up to a further 20 young people who are at risk of offending or anti-social behaviour. With approximately 40 staff and 50 volunteers, they offer support to young people, and their families, to help them to reach their full potential - from getting the best out of school or college, finding employment, or other needs such as housing. A multi-agency partnership, it includes the council’s Education and Children’s Services, Police, Probation Service and Health Board. There are also close links with the youth service, schools and those providing learning, training and supported accommodation for young people. The service also engages with the victims of young offenders to see if any restorative action can be taken to help reduce the impa...

A Llanelli school is working with the Carmarthenshire Youth Offending and Prevention Service (YOPS) as a way of resolving conflict between pupils. Coedcae Comprehensive School is using peer mediation to sort out problems amongst pupils – from arguments in the playground to unkind behaviour. A number of pupils have been trained as peer mediators by YOPS officers receiving the necessary skills and diplomacy needed for the role. They have learned to listen, not to make matters worse, and to help those in conflict to reach a mutual solution using a structured process. YOPS Restorative Justice Co-ordinator James Perdue said: “With the right guidance and support, properly trained young people are capable of managing conflict and reaching solutions without direct input from adults. The peer mediators will be continually supported by school staff to ensure that all issues are being dealt in an appropriate way.” The YOPS works with young people across the county with the aim of preventing of...