The Youth Justice Referral Group offers a single access point to youth justice services provided by Connect| and Freagarrach. The Group is a multi-agency forum incorporating representatives from key agencies charged with responsibility for young people going through the youth justice system.
The Group gate keeps youth justice services making decisions as to whether referrals are suitable for Connect, Freagarrach or whether advice should be given regarding direction to alternative services.
The Group's decision as to which service best meets the needs of the young person is based on:
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information contained within a joint Referral Form.
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information provided by the Police relating to the number of previous episodes of offending.
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information provided by Falkirk Council, Education Services relating to the young person's attendance and performance at school.
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a judgement relating to the nature and intensity of service required.
The Youth Justice Referral Group also has a critical role in terms of the evaluation of the chosen intervention. Cases are brought back to the Group at intervals in order that progress can be measured and consideration given as to whether services are meeting targets defined within National Standards.
The group meets weekly so that it does not delay the provision of services to young people.