At the launch of Rainer RAP in Essex, September 2004

In addition, Rainer workers are placed in police stations to receive referrals as soon as a young person comes into contact with the police. This rapid response is crucial.

Following a referral a project worker visits the young person and their family in their home to discuss the wide range of support available. Immediate contact with the whole family allows strong relationships to be formed and makes it easier to give young people the emotional and physical support they need.

One of the main strengths of Rainer RAP is the flexibility of the support provided. Workers are geared up to adapt to a whole variety of complex issues. Project workers refer young people and families to other professional agencies such as drug support and mental health teams when needed, and make sure they get to appointments.

The relationship between the worker and the young person is confidential and often takes place away from the home. This allows the young person to 'open up' and makes them feel someone is taking a real interest in them as an individual. They then feel free to discuss problems at home, school and with peers.

Workers develop realistic and measurable action plans with young people. These can cover issues such as antisocial behaviour, anger management, bullying and peer pressure, communication skills, family relationships and community participation through activities and local clubs. They also support young people in the classroom, facilitate meetings with their teachers and help with homework.

Does it work?

Rainer RAP received 422 referrals in its first year. In evaluation 70% of parents/carers noted significant improvements in behaviour and anger management; 90% noted improvements at school; 80% noted significant improvements in self-esteem, self-confidence and self-presentation; and 100 % noted increased levels of happiness.

Rainer estimates that only 6% of the children relapsed into old ways

Police officers have spoken of their relief at being able to key young people into immediate intensive support; domestic violence agencies said proactive support and intervention is now getting to very vulnerable children.

Case Study

Louis, 11, was referred to Rainer RAP after receiving a police reprimand following a violent incident at school. He had already been excluded permanently from his junior school. He was extremely disruptive and aggressive towards pupils and teachers, both physically and verbally.

Louis lived with his father and step mother - his mother did not want him to live with her.

A Rainer RAP worker visited Louis' home and an action plan was put together. The plan tackled his aggression, communication skills, emotional needs, offending behaviour and bullying.

At first Louis was very reluctant to admit responsibility for the antisocial behaviour that had got him in trouble with the police. He showed no remorse and had no concept of how his actions affected his victims. Following intensive intervention including role play he began to understand the consequences of his assaults and started to change his behaviour.

Louis made regular visits into the community with his support worker to challenge his negative behaviour towards members of the public and other young people.

After attending an appeal panel with his worker at a weekly boarding school for young people with educational and behavioural needs he was given a place.

At the same time support was given to improve his relationship with his father and the two of them spend a great deal more time together. As a result Louis has revealed himself to be a bright and confident boy with a real zest for life.