Bradford's Youth Crime Prevention work is co-ordinated by the Young People's Support Unit YPSU) which brings together, under one roof, a number of organisations and projects aimed at preventing offending, anti-social behaviour and social exclusion. The projects based at our 181A Barkerend Road office include:

• Youth Inclusion Programmes

• Positive Futures Projects

• PALZ (Play and Learn Zone)

• Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP)

• YOT work with young offenders on Police Reprimands and Final Warnings

• YOT Looked After Project

• Brathay

NEW - see the newsletter on the 2009/2010 SOCA-funded JAS/PALZ programme in Buttershaw/Woodside.

The YPSU unit is supported by Bradford YOT, Children's Fund, Youth Service, Connexions West Yorkshire, Anti-Social Behaviour Teams, Sport England, Ummid and a wide selection of voluntary sector partners.

The Bradford Youth Offending Team has a key role in preventing young people from getting into trouble as well as responding effectively to those who offend. The Audit Commission in its report ‘Misspent Youth’ 1996 identified the main risk factors that can lead to offending behaviour.  

The Youth Offending Team works in partnership with a wide range of statutory and voluntary sector partners to tackle these risk factors.

The Youth Offending Team also works closely with Bradford’s Community Safety Partnership to make the district a safer place for us to work and live.

February 2008 saw the publication of a booklet highlighting the achievements and ambitions of young people in Bradford. All have, or are being, worked with staff from YPSU. It is a positive endorsement of the young people's attitude and potential, as well as recognition for the committed work of the staff.

The booklet was praised by Kath Tunstall, Strategic Director of Children's Services for the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

She said, "I am delighted to see so many positive stories about the lives of young people across Bradford. The people of this District should be proud of their courage, determination and positive attitude. It is good news for all of us that they have such ambitions and hopes for the future.

I congratulate all the young people featured in this booklet, as well as the many others being worked with by the very dedicated and professional staff at the Young People’s Support Unit."

See a PDF copy of the booklet here.