Academic analysis underlines value of Serious Organised Crime service

An academic analysis of Action for Children’s Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service (SOCEIS) has highlighted many benefits including a 77%¹ reduction in offending in one area (Cardiff) with two thirds of young people having reduced their risk of exploitation.

The Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service (SOCEIS) is an innovative intervention project for young people aged 11 to 18 years. The service identifies young people involved in, or at risk of involvement in serious organised crime, addressing the vulnerabilities that led to their involvement and diverting them towards more positive pathways.

The Cardiff University evaluation also found that the project, that operates in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Cardiff and Newcastle helped young people to raise their aspirations and set goals to realise their ambitions, often leading to the re-engagement of young people into education and supported others to obtain qualifications outside of formal education.

Other key aspects of the SOCEIS approach included the successful engagement of young

people who had not engaged with other services and delivering improvements to confidence, self-awareness, attitudes and behaviour.  The service models positive relationships with partner organisations to encourage young people to build supportive networks with other professionals.

With the use of peer mentors that young people could relate to and ensuring, when possible, families were also engaged, the study found that the recruitment of highly skilled practitioners and peer mentors gave young people the agency to make their own pro-social decisions and positive life choices.  Young people also reported they would recommend SOCEIS to other young people due to the range of benefits offered in a supportive manner, the evaluation concluded.

Action for Children’s national director in Wales, Brigitte Gater, said: ‘It is very rewarding to see the positive results of the Cardiff University evaluation.  It absolutely backs up the outcomes we’ve collated from the projects across the UK and the amazing progress many of the young people we support have made.

‘Relationship-building has been central to the approach with our peer mentors and their lived experience of criminal exploitation able to support and guide with integrity and authenticity despite incredibly challenging circumstances.  We provide rounded and tailored support to each young person, and it works.  They see another way is possible and that a safer and more fulfilling life is achievable.’