The work of a team made up from different areas of Government based within the Department of Social Care is clearly having a positive effect on young offenders. In one scheme alone where staff from the Youth Justice Team positively engaged with children and young people who have committed low level crime, 87% have not gone on to commit a further crime. The Multi-Agency Public Protection Unit led by the Department of Home Affairs is an inter-agency partnership made up of personnel from across Government. It provides a coordinated response to risks posed to the safety of the community and aims to reduce the incidence of crime. It is located within the Department of Social Care’s premises at Hilary House. The Department of Social Care contributes to the resources of the Unit which has a dedicated team of staff who work with all young offenders; the Youth Justice Team. Police Inspector Phil Drowley is the leader of the Unit. Inspector Phil Drowley said “Firstly I must stress the vast majority of children on our island are fabulous and should be celebrated but where children are referred to our unit because they have committed a crime we look at the underlying circumstances and needs in the children and young persons’ lives. We ensure that those children and young people responsible for crime are confronted with the consequences of their actions for themselves and their families, victims and the community, it certainly seems to work”. Mr Bill Malarkey MHK is Political Member for both the Departments of Social Care and Home Affairs. He visited the Unit recently to speak to staff and thank them for their hard work in continuing to play a part in keeping the community of the Island safe. The Unit concentrates its efforts on managing those people identified as most vulnerable, those who are most likely to offend and possible locations where there is an increased chance of persons being vulnerable and their wellbeing placed at risk. Bill Malarkey MHK commented: “I was pleased to hear of all the work the Unit were undertaking but especially pleased to see that the team had been very successful in reducing re-offending by children and young people and I am keen for the team to continue to develop earlier and more effective interventions with young people. The Isle of Man enjoys the lowest recorded crime rate in Europe. However, we cannot afford to be complacent. Both Departments recognise that the vulnerable in society typically suffer more from crime as they are less able to protect themselves and their assets. The challenge is to prevent and minimise abuse of the vulnerable in our community wherever possible by working closely with others such as the Department of Health, Department of Education & Children, the third sector and community groups. Together we share information effectively to enable the prompt detection of potential abuse, holistic assessment and thus effective support and protection.” The Unit also works with staff at the Secure Care Home with young people who have received a custodial sentence in order that they develop and are able to exercise social skills and prepare for the responsibilities of living in the community on release. Inspector Drowley explained “We seek to retain children and young people who offend within mainstream society or if that’s not possible to reconnect them in ways that enable them to achieve a safe and healthy life with opportunities to achieve and prosper and make a positive contribution to the community”. - ENDS -