Sue Pearson, Leeds Youth Justice Centre, Hunslet, Church Street, Leeds, LS10 2AY

Email: susan.pearson@leeds.gov.uk Phone: 0113 3782055 or 07891 275 899

THE AGENCY PACT was developed by the Leeds YOS in September 2013. It is delivered by a multi-agency team from YOS, FIS (Family Intervention Service) and Signpost.

CRITERIA Catchment area: Leeds The service was originally offered to boys aged 14 – 17 and their mothers as a group work programme. A separate girls group is now also up and running.

REFERRAL Referral by telephone call and a referral form is then sent out for completion.

ASSESSMENT Assessments take place on a home visit with the parent.

THE SERVICE PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID, SOME CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE SERVICE. Sessions are reduced from 12 to 8, and take place via Zoom. Meetings normally take place in the Youth Justice Centre in Leeds. A pre-programme engagement of approximately four weeks is followed by a twelve-week programme, and then a clear exit plan is ensured. The model takes a restorative practice approach and emphasises family safety and accountability for violent behaviour. Cognitive behavioural and skills based practice are used to help young people make specific behavioural changes to prevent violence and abuse. The framework weaves together domestic violence treatment, restorative practice, cognitive behavioural therapy, anger management, solution focussed brief therapy and family relationship skill building.

Work with families is a multi-layered approach weaving together cognitive behavioural therapy and skill development, in a restorative practice framework with family safety and respectful family relationships at the centre. Underpinning all of the work is a non-judgmental approach where parents and children are always seen in a positive way, separating behaviours from people.

A manual has been developed and is available to others as part of a two-day training package.

EVALUATION There has been no formal evaluation. Questionnaires are used with families to identify change.

Data entered: June 2015. Reviewed: May 2021