ACCLAIM mentoring

"An intensive supervision programme in partnership between YSS and the West Mercia Probation Service"

ACCLAIM mentoring links into the main ACCLAIM project described in Criminal Justice Programmes and builds on the Intensive Control and Change Programme (ICCP) established in 2003 which required a core of volunteer mentors involved in service delivery. The project is aimed at PPOs (Prolific and Priority Offenders). They are aged 18 years plus. However the majority are between 18 and 25 years. Volunteer mentors are matched with someone who is designated as a PPO and receive supervision and support from the YSS ACCLAIM worker who is involved with the case. The volunteer undertakes a specific plan of action as agreed with the ACCLAIM worker, usually for 12 sessions and based on one contact per week.

What is ACCLAIM?

ACCLAIM is a package of interventions aimed at PPOs who are subject to Intensive community orders or licence conditions. The aim of ACCLAIM is to work closely with them to assist with:

•  Complying with their condition of their order or licence
•  Finding work
•  Obtaining help with their literacy or numeracy
•  Finding them accommodation
•  Addressing any problems they may have with either alcohol or drugs
•  Gaining support of their family
•  Dealing with their problems such as having to attend Court or the Police Station
•  Dealing with other practical problems

What's in it for the recipient?

It can be difficult for someone to comply with their court order or licence conditions. We also understand that there may be barriers in their life that stop them from being able to move away from offending. We will work closely with the individual and the Probation Service, the Police and other agencies to make sure that they have the best opportunities to achieve their potential and to stop re-offending.

Community orders, Licences and ACCLAIM

The ACCLAIM team works closely with the individual and their offender manager for a period of 12 weeks in the first instance, with subsequent reviews.

All orders and licences are enforceable (that is, the person will be in breach or be recalled if they fail to comply). Other aspects of the supervision plan may be included because the person chooses to do it. All of this is explained to the individual by their Probation offender manager and the ACCLAIM team before they begin the period of supervision.

The name of the project ACCLAIM derives from the key activities undertaken by the team. These are to:

•  Assist
•  Coach
•  Co-ordinate
•  Liaise
•  Advocate
•  Integrate
•  Mentor