Plymouth City Council

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour

John DruryManager

Anti-Social Behaviour Unit

What is ASB?

Range of behaviours

Some are crimes, others are not

Situation, context

People’s perceptions

What causes ASB?

Poor family environment Deprivation and social exclusion Poor schooling / low attainment Individual issues / disabilities

No one agency can be responsible for tackling ASB

Effects on victims and communities

Can be insidious, profound, very long lasting

Communities become frightened, feel unsafe, tolerate ASB – paralysed

ASB low level?

Escalation process

1. Single agency response

2. Joint response

3. Formal multi-agency meetings

4. Legal action

Appropriate support is identified throughout the process

ASB Strategy

1. Working more closely with communities and groups

2. Make sure multi-agency working is more effective

3. There are better activities available for people to do

4. Getting the right sort of support to those who need it

ASBU

Manager Team leader 4 Anti-Social Behaviour Officers 2 administrative staff a senior lawyer an attached Police Officer a parenting worker

Streetwise Youth Work Team

Team Leader Admin Support Professional Youth Workers Family Intervention worker Connexions PA Alcohol/Substance Misuse Worker Targeted Youth Support Worker Senior Youth Officer

PLYMOUTH CITY WIDE COVERAGE:

All young people at risk or engaged in crime and anti-social behaviour are able to benefit from a systematic joined up approach.

APPROPRIATE SUPPORT ALONGSIDE ASB MEASURES:A young person committing ASB will receive an appropriate package of support alongside the use of an enforcement measure such as a warning letter, Acceptable Behaviour Contract or an Anti-

Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT ORDER (ISO) OR APPROPRIATE SUPPORT ALONGSIDE EVERY ASBO:Every time an application is made for an ASBO on a young person an ISO will be used unless appropriate support is already in place, for example, the young person is subject to a current criminal order held by the Youth Offending Service (YOS).

PARENTING:Evidence based parenting programmes will be part of the support package that is delivered to a young person.

Team Objectives

Reduce anti-social behaviour & first time entrants into the criminal justice system amongst 10 to 17 year olds.

Reduce the under 18 conception rates.

Reduce the proportion of young people engaged in frequent use of illicit drugs, alcohol or volatile substances.

Reduce the proportion of young people not in education, employment and training.

More participation in positive activities.

This is achieved through a ‘triple track’ of:

Tough enforcement for a small minority of young people where behaviour is unacceptable or illegal.

Non-negotiable or voluntary support to address the underlying causes of poor behaviour or serious difficulties.

Better prevention to tackle problems before they become serious and entrenched, and to prevent problems arising in the first place.

Plymouth Families Project

One of original 53 FIPs in the country

Primary aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and homelessness

Working with the most chaotic and dysfunctional families creating a disproportionate negative impact on the community

Challenges intergenerational learned behaviour

Twin track approach of intensive outreach package of support underpinned by enforcement

FIP Approach

Eligibility Criteria Whole Family Assessment “Think Family” Assessments cover:-

Offending behaviour/ASB Housing Health (physical, mental, sexual) Substance use Domestic abuse / child safety Employment and adult education Education, attendance, attainment

Programme of work 9 – 12 months Intensive, max 5 – 6 families per worker Multi-agency approach from start Contract – project, family, other agencies Reviews 8 weekly Exit plan, 6 months tapered

Key Worker role – supportive, open, honest, persistent, challenging, driving good outcomes

In essence – persistent, assertive, one step ahead, “fixer”, “joiner upper of services”, “prioritiser”, “finger wagger”, and overall co-ordinator of the quality of service

Health outcomes from external evaluation

All families suffered from a history of, or current, domestic abuse issues

85% of families were living with both mental/emotional and physical health issues within their family Physical health 54% of adults, 77% of children Emotional and mental health 77% of adults, 85% of children

Substance Misuse 54% of families at least one parent/carer with an issue

39% at least one 12 to 18 year old with an issue

50% were not accessing relevant health professionals

Only 18% of young people with a mental health issue accessed relevant service

92% of families had issues with parenting

Two pieces of legislation

Criminal justice and Immigration Act 2008Gives power to LA and Police to close any premises where persistent ASB occurs.

Housing and Regeneration Act 2008Enables a Family Intervention Project to create a Family Intervention Tenancy

Place survey

NI.17 - % of people who believe ASB is a big problem in their area Plymouth 22.6% All England 20% South West Region 15.3% Unitaries, Metros 21.8%

NI. 21 - % who agree Police and LA are successful when dealing with ASB and crime in their area

Plymouth 29.5% All England 26.3% South West Region 27.9% Unitaries, Metros 26.4%

ASBU

asbu@plymouth.gov.uk

01752 307049