AQW 40491/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 09/01/2015
Answered On Date: 03/02/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister how the six Delivering Social Change Signature Programmes are addressing the needs of young people who are engaged in cycles of anti-social behaviour.

Answer:

Delivering Social Change is about creating a new culture and focus on cross-cutting work to achieve social benefits that deliver a sustained reduction in poverty and associated issues across all ages. Within the programme there is a particular focus on improving children and young people’s health, well being and life opportunities, and breaking the long-term cycle of multi-generational problems.

The initial six Delivering Social Change Signature Programmes are part of this process, and their social benefits are multi-faceted. All of these Signature Programmes will inevitably either help prevent, or address head on, anti-social behaviours in children and young people, and their families.

A range of holistic interventions are being provided under these Signature Programmes to encourage re-engagement in education, training or employment and enhance prospects to become full participants in society. These include a series of mentoring, counselling and psycho-education support for those children, young people and families directly experiencing anti-social behaviours.