Merseyside Police will offer young people held in detention the chance to speak to Childline in a new UK initiative, the first of its kind. Those aged under 19 will be given access to confidential calls with the charity providing advice and support which the police say could “break the cycle of reoffending”. Detained children already receive additional support, but may not accept it as they fear it is neither impartial nor confidential. Officers hope Childline will “fill the gaps” in existing provision and help steer young people away from crime.
Every young person taken into custody will have their data passed on to social services, and vulnerabilities and safeguarding resources will be established. Under the Children’s Act, girls are also entitled to a nominated female officer. The police hope that by offering a confidential call in custody, as well as a Childline leaflet on discharge, more young people will accept existing mental health support resources and guidance from trained advisors.
The idea for the initiative came from Deborah Rigby, a retired Merseyside police officer who now supervises Childline in Liverpool. She had recognised the potential for the charity to help young people held in detention, working with PC Christopher Beedle from prevention to pilot the scheme. Merseyside has had 787 young people enter custody in the last six months, with Childline’s aims for extending coverage clear: supporting as many children in crisis as possible.
Childline started with TV presenter Esther Rantzen in 1986, before becoming part of the NSPCC in 2006. Over 1,300 volunteer counsellors now answer calls and emails from children in need or facing crises. Police hope the initiative will make a huge difference to the lives of vulnerable young people
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