Sunderland’s Focused Deterrence Project
Summary:
A focused deterrence project based in Sunderland, delivered by a co-located multi-agency partnership, and funded by Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit.
Description:
The focused deterrence project in Sunderland, targeting vulnerable children at risk of serious violence, aiming to reduce crime through interventions and support. Part of the Sunderland Altogether Improving Lives (SAIL) team, it operates within a multiple agency approach, including the Youth Justice Service, Northumbria Police, and the Violence Reduction Unit.
The project is intelligence-led and proactive, engaging directly with 12 children and their families, with three now monitored without direct intervention. Daily meetings review recent incidents, guiding appropriate responses, such as visits or formal actions.
Interventions are tailored and needs-led, delivered in various settings, and include intensive support from youth justice caseworkers. The SAIL team also patrols the city, offering support, for example drug and alcohol misuse, signposting services, liaising with family and managing risk situations.
Outcomes:
86% of children reported improvement in the following areas within their lives:
Contact:
| Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit | Sunderland Youth Justice Service | |
| Name | Claire Sills | Linda Mason |
| claire.sills@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk | Linda.Mason1@togetherforchildren.org.uk |