About Sandwell Youth Justice Service
Our mission
Sandwell Youth Justice Service sees children as children first. We treat them fairly and help them build on their strengths so they can make a positive contribution to society.
Our work helps prevent offending and creates safer communities with fewer victims.
We want every child to feel safe, supported, and proud of where they live.
We work with the police and other partners to help young people stay out of trouble and achieve a bright future.
Who helps run the service
The Youth Justice Partnership Board is a group of leaders who oversee how the service supports young people in Sandwell.
- They make sure the service is effective and that children are safe.
- The Youth Justice Service is part of Sandwell Children’s Trust.
- They support children to stay out of trouble and succeed in life.
- They put children first in all decisions.
Working together to help young people
- Children’s Services: Support from social workers and family teams.
- Health teams: Nurses, mental health workers, and speech therapists.
- DECCA team: Help with drug and alcohol issues.
- Health check meetings: Fortnightly meetings to review support.
- Schools and education: Help to stay in school or find employment.
- Police: Work to keep young people safe and prevent offending.
- Probation: Support during transition to adult services.
- Community safety: Prevent serious violence and protect young people.
- Charities: Support victims and ensure young people feel heard.
Creative ways we help young people
- Music projects: Young people create music and share their stories.
- Work with real artists: Learning from professionals such as rappers and filmmakers.
- Mentors and support: Trusted adults provide guidance and encouragement.
- Hospital support: Specialist workers support those at risk of violence.
- Family therapy: Support for families to work through challenges together.
- Restorative justice: Helping young people understand impact and repair harm.
- Virtual reality: Safe experiences to understand risks such as knife crime.
How we help young people
Out of court resolutions
- Most young people supported through this approach did not reoffend (98% success rate).
- We are improving how we track and support young people after completion.
Court support
- We make the court process easier to understand and more supportive.
- We are improving support before and during court, especially for young people with additional needs.
Support in the community
We use the ST*R approach when working with children and families.
ST*R means we:
- Focus on strengths – what the young person is good at.
- Understand experiences – especially difficult or traumatic events.
- Build relationships – ensuring young people feel listened to and supported.
Secure settings (custody)
- Fewer young people were placed in custody, with specific support for girls.
- Custody is only used when absolutely necessary.
Transitions
- Young people leaving custody receive support to return to their community.
- Families meet before release to create a plan for safety and support.