Over a third fewer young people reoffending
OVER a third fewer young people in Carmarthenshire are reoffending, thanks to the work of the Youth Offending and Prevention Service (YOPS).

YOPS is a multi-agency partnership with the aim of reducing offending by children and young people.

It includes the council, police, probation service, health board; court service and representatives from the Community Safety Partnership and the Children and Young People’s Partnership.

The service has approximately 40 staff and 50 volunteers and works with around 100 to 120 young people, at any given time, who are on court orders and up to a further 20 young people who are assessed as being at risk of offending or anti-social behaviour.

Management board chair Chris Burns said: “Our aim is to work with the young people and their families to help them to develop positive aspirations for the future and stay out of trouble.

“The YOPS has a dedicated team who help these young people refocus on getting the best out of school or college, or finding employment, and also help with other needs such as housing.”
Council executive board member for community safety Councillor Pam Palmer said: “The YOPS is part of a network of agencies all working with young people to try and help them avoid getting involved in offending and anti-social behaviour and a lot of good work is being carried out as the figures demonstrate.”