Support for young people with SEND leaving custody

We aim to improve outcomes for all children leaving custody, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Being in custody can be scary for young people, particularly for those with SEND.

Our Youth Justice Service is committed to supporting children and works in partnership with relevant services, to support their return to the community with the aim of reducing reoffending. See our YJS and SEND Protocol for more information on how we support young people with SEND in the youth justice system.

Youth Justice Service Support

If a young person had an education, health and care (EHC) plan before entering custody or was issued an EHC plan whilst in custody, the plan will be maintained and appropriate support provided. A review must take place as soon as possible on the young person’s release, focusing on their progress towards achieving the outcomes specified in the EHC plan.

Prior to the young person’s release from the secure estate, the Youth Justice Service (YJS) will:

  • inform SEND Services of the release date for sentenced young people
  • provide address details and type of accommodation
  • provide details of supervising YJS or Youth Offending Team (if out of borough)
  • provide resettlement plan information
  • invite SEND Services to the Resettlement Planning Meeting (4 weeks prior to release)

SEND Services Support

The SEN Team will:

  • begin the process of undertaking an EHC needs assessment if a need is identified
  • provide advice to enable identification of suitable education, training or employment provision; this should be full-time, where appropriate, and meet the identified needs in the EHC plan
  • maintain and review the EHC plan when the detained person is released but also consider holding a review prior to release

Constructive resettlement

Resettlement is the process where young people re-enter the community and settle back into their lives after a period of custody. We provide ‘constructive resettlement’ which supports young people and improves their opportunities.

Constructive resettlement joins partner agencies (e.g. Connexions or Evolve) together to provide individualised support for young people. The young person’s views, wishes and voice inform the tailor-made support for their transition back into the community.

A post release review will be held by the Youth Justice Service within 10 working days of the young person’s release. SEND Services are invited to share education, training and support provision, and any updates made to the EHC plan. The Youth Justice Service are invited to attend EHC plan annual reviews, to provide continued support.

Support Services

  • Evolve support 17.5 to 25 year olds who are affected by youth violence and exploitation. Evolve provide a range of interventions to prevent young people’s involvement in group offending and support them to explore their options. Email them at evolveteam@camden.gov.uk for more information
  • Connexions support young people leaving custody with exploring their training and employment opportunities
  • Honest Grind provide employment opportunities for vulnerable young people, including those with SEND up to 25 years old