NCJ Number
239504
Date Published
July 2012
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This summary of key recommendations and lessons learned from the pilot phase of the United Kingdom's Neighborhood Agreements Pathfinder Program is intended for use by residents and service providers who wish to establish an Agreement in their local area.
Abstract
Neighborhood Agreements are voluntary agreements between local service providers and residents. They are intended to improve local neighborhoods and increase public satisfaction with local services. The Agreement identifies and sets priorities for a local area, assesses how services and residents can work together in addressing these priorities, and sets standards for services. In March 2010, the Home Office and Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) provided funding and technical support for trial Agreements in 12 areas called "Pathfinders." The Agreements focused on a range of crime and antisocial behaviors. Across most areas, both residents and service providers reported what they perceived as emerging benefits. Service providers felt that they had gained a much better understanding of common goals and objectives and the needs of the local community; this effort has helped communities adjust local services to better meet local needs. In creating local Agreements, partners should carefully consider the area to be covered in the Agreement and how it relates to the existing functions and capacity of service providers, as well as prior links with local residents. It is also important to select a lead partner that is trusted by the local community. In addition, partners should consider early in the design phase how the Agreement's effectiveness will be monitored. A written version of the Agreement should be developed. It is vital to maintain the involvement of residents throughout the delivery of the Agreement. This requires partners to develop long-term strategies for keeping residents involved in the implementation of the Agreement. Appended research methodology, a summary of street survey data, and a list of priorities by area