Three new projects being developed by the Essex youth offending team will aim to prevent young people from embarking on a life of crime.

The team, one of many set up nationwide by the Youth Justice Board to spearhead the Government's reform of the youth justice system, unveiled the projects as part of Youth Justice Week last week.

The Persistent Offenders Programme (POP), is aimed at young people aged 15 to 17 who are involved in persistent offending and who have been made subject to a supervision order by the courts.

The programme uses drama to resolve reasons for offending by 'acting out' offences which are analysed by the group.

''The intention is to get young people to be honest about why and how they have become involved in offences, but more importantly, to use the project to make changes,'' explained Tanya Gillett, head of the youth offending team.

The team is developing a project with Essex social services, Essex Police, Victim Support and Community Safety, which is being part funded by the Youth Justice Board.

The Family Group Conference brings together young people, their families and their victim to explain to the young person the impact of the offence on them and their family.

''Following this, the young person and his or her family will come up with a plan to begin righting the wrong,'' explained Tanya.

The team has also pioneered a mentoring scheme called 'Change Through Partnership', which matches up volunteers with 10 to 17 year olds to help steer the young people away from a life of crime.

The volunteers work with young people on a one to one basis, to develop their confidence and skills and linking them to existing services such as education, training and employment.

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