ReRoute works with young adults at the point of arrest, where an individual is often presenting with some of the most prolific vulnerabilities.
ReRoute is a voluntary programme that reaches out to all those 17–25-year-olds who are suspected of having committed the following offences (with a home address in Southend, Essex and Thurrock):
- Possession of a bladed article
- Possession of class A with intent to supply.
- Possession of class B with intent to supply.
- Grievous bodily harm
The ReRoute programme is based on the logic that by engaging with young adult’s post arrest who are either released under investigation (RUI) or on bail and providing individualised, targeted support at this key teachable time, leads to improved outcomes for the individual and potentially reduced harm to communities.
The average time between a young persons’ arrest/first contact with the justice system and appearance at Crown Court is up to two years. This means that there is a significant gap of up to two years between the time someone is suspected of committing an offence and the point they typically receive an intervention – if they are found guilty at court. During this time the person may find it hard to deal with the uncertainty of their situation, little support by way of interventions may be in place and the persons’ vulnerability around environmental, behavioural, wellbeing and criminogenic factors is exacerbated.
Early Intervention
ReRoute recognises the importance of engaging with young adults at the earliest opportunity following arrest. There is a solid evidence base which supports the theory that early intervention at key moments increases the opportunity for purposeful and motivated engagement from a young person supporting desistence from offending behaviours.
ReRoute workers introduce as many protective factors as possible to a young adult’s life, taking a holistic approach and considering their situation, needs and motivations.
ReRoute workers provide consistency in their engagement and persistence with young adults. This includes understanding when is not the right time to engage but they don’t ‘disappear’ and will continue to make contact as and when it is appropriate.
The ReRoute workers don’t focus on the offending behaviour/arrest but use their experience to build trust and a relationship with the young person in order to support them to make positive changes to their individual situations.
Positive outcomes through ReRoute include young people returning to education, finding employment or making positive life changes.
