NCJ Number
192714
Date Published
2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report describes and assesses the Dalston Youth Project II (DYPII), funded by the British Home Office, which was an innovative approach for working with youth 11- to 14-years-old who were at risk of being suspended from three schools in the London Borough of Hackney.
Abstract
The project offered a combination of mentoring support and supplementary education. A total of 80 youth joined DYPII over the 3 years of the project. Most were underachievers, and their lack of educational attainment went hand in hand with behavioral problems; 47 had at least 1 fixed-term suspension from school. A residential weekend at an outdoor activity center marked the formal start of the project. It helped participants to identify with and show commitment to the project. The development of an effective mentoring relationship was an integral feature of the project. About half of the mentor/youth matches were successful, in that they maintained contact throughout the 12 months of the project. The project aimed to provide each youth with 6 hours of tutoring after school each week during "term time." Attendance improved in the third year of the project, with 17 of the 28 youth attending more than 50 percent of their classes. Parent/guardian involvement was the least successful aspect of the project. Most parents viewed the project as being for the youth and did not participate in sessions for parents; however, they did support their child by attending presentation evenings and graduation night. A number of children made modest progress toward improved behavior and attitudes toward learning; a smaller group made major and significant changes. Future similar projects should consider whether to focus on youth whose needs are not so great and success is more likely, or to focus on youth most at risk and accept that the percentage of successes will be lower.