A scheme putting young people to work repairing vandalism they have caused on public transport has been launched in Birmingham.
The Restorative Justice project has been launched by Birmingham Youth Offending Service and the Safer Travel Partnership.
The pilot scheme is for young people aged between ten and 18-years-old across Birmingham and encourages them to recognise the harm their anti-social activities cause. It is seen by the authorities as more constructive than simply prosecuting them and giving them a criminal record.
The scheme was launched at the National Express West Midland Central Bus depot in Digbeth, Birmingham, by Councillor Judith Rowley of transport authority Centro and Councillor Jess Phillips, the Birmingham Victims Champion.
Judith Rowley said: “This scheme can make a huge difference by encouraging young people to think about the consequences of their actions. Previously those actions could potentially have resulted in a criminal conviction, all for a moment’s stupidity – restorative justice prevents that yet sees the perpetrator putting right the damage they have caused.
“Crime on the public transport network is very low but anti-social behaviour can deter people from using it so I welcome this innovative initiative to prevent it.
And Jess Phillips said: “One of the strong points of this scheme is the way it breaks down barriers between young people and authority. It is such an important step along the path of ensuring youngsters, who all too often feel alienated from society, realise that they are in fact an important part of it and have much to offer.
“They of should of course put right the damage they have caused but the beauty of this scheme is that it also helps them re-engage and see things from the perspective of others, particularly the victim. This is an all-important tool when tackling issues of re-offending – seeing things from the victims’ perspective is a key element to rehabilitation.”
Tony Dallison, Head of Service Delivery for National Express West Midlands said: “Our drivers are very keen to see this scheme work.
“It is not just about youngsters cleaning buses and repairing vandalism, it is also about them being made to realise that verbal abuse and other anti-social behaviour is not victimless.”
The Birmingham project will work with 32 offenders over 24 weeks and if successful will be developed in other parts of the West Midlands. Costing £22,000, it’s being funded by Centro through the Transport Regeneration Fund, with match funding by Birmingham Youth Offending Service.
The scheme is said to be cost effective – for every £1 spent on restorative justice the criminal justice system saves £9.
About the Safer Travel Partnership
A collaboration between Centro, British Transport Police and West Midlands Police, with transport operators it works to reassure the travelling public and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on the public transport network. The Birmingham Victims Champion represents people affected by crime and anti-social behaviour and works to ensure the police, courts and probation services meet their needs.
