Background
The family of a young person believed that he was on the ‘wrong path’, dealing drugs, smoking cannabis. The family also believe something untoward is happening with their son as he is receiving ‘free’ vapes.
The young person had been excluded from school due to an incidence of violence.
The family are considering what options they have to keep their son and other children safe.
What happened
The family were referred to Queensberry AP, and had an initial meeting, where a support package was agreed upon, based on the positive engagement of the son with the representatives from Queensberry AP.
Over the coming weeks, a number of support sessions were scheduled with the young person, and Queensberry on a number of different topics. This included: family dynamics, future aspirations and meeting an ex-offender turned youth worker. All of these sessions were designed to provide help and support to the family and the young person, and empowering him to change his behaviour.
The young person didn’t feel he was at risk of grooming and exploitation. Discussions turned to the family dynamic and how these have personally impacted the boy.
He did point out similarities between himself and the subject of a case study who was involved in criminality, and how his relationships have affected his emotional and mental health. He acknowledged the importance of getting help for this at the earliest opportunity. The importance of education was stressed to the young person and how this helps you to make right choices.
One session focused on the subject of joint enterprise and focused on the case of Jordan Cunliffe who was charged and sentenced to 12 years in prison following the murder of Gary Newlove in Warrington in 2008. The young person demonstrated an increased understanding of joint enterprise and the impact of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Impact
The young person expressed that the intervention had had a positive impact upon him since starting and he was thinking more before he acted. He was also offered additional support to help him make positive decisions for his future.
Feedback
The young person said:
“The real-life stories have helped me understand it all a bit more, it makes you realise what could happen and what scenario or situation you could end up putting yourself in.”
The parent (mum) of the young person said:
“Thank you for all of your help.”
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