Education
Despite its roots in the criminal justice system, JfK recognises that a strong, supportive and positive educational environment can assist the most vulnerable young people in our society.
The Home Office identifies poor school attainment as a leading cause of youth crime. A recent Mori youth survey suggests that excluded young people are committing twice as many crimes as their peers in mainstream education. A survey of young people in young offender institutions found that 83 per cent of boys had been excluded and 41 per cent of boys and girls were aged 14 or younger when they were last in school.
Many young people offend because their lives are chaotic, dysfunctional, and they feel a deep sense of detachment. Structured education can offer an embracing and promising base that may divert them from the criminal justice system. The vast majority of young people we see in the criminal justice system have been excluded from mainstream school and are receiving little or, in some cases, no education at all.
JfK’s Education Program aims to advocate on behalf of individual children who, for whatever reason, are struggling with their education.
We recognise the problems associated with school exclusions, and offer advice and representation to students who are facing exclusion. We will attempt to ensure the child is receiving the appropriate educational support in the classroom with consideration of any special needs. We aim to work with the institutions and boroughs to resolve these difficulties by mediating, assisting and, if necessary, challenging parties to prove their commitment to these young people. Where necessary, many of our education cases become judicial review proceedings which are conducted by our Education Solicitor in conjunction with Lawrence & Co Solicitors.
The National Autistic Society have recently nominated us as specialists representing children on the Autism spectrum.
For examples of the work that our program undertakes, please click here.
In addition to our representation and advocacy, JfK seeks to forge links with local businesses and employers who are able to offer young people the opportunity to develop vocational skills and broaden their prospects. If your organisation is interested in offering work experience placements, apprenticeships or employment opportunities, please contact us.
Community Care
Since we expanded our education programme to include community care work we have experienced a demand for these services. We receive many referrals from other voluntary organisations, social workers and even young people themselves in prison. They are usually aged between 15-17 and they are referred to us when their Local Authority has made no adequate provision for their release. Laura advises them how to access extra support from Social Services in areas of education and training, welfare, supported accommodation and financial support. This cases often involve issuing judicial review proceedings against local authorities.For examples of the work that our programme undertakes, please click here