Constructive Resettlement is the personal support that underpins what we already know to be critical for successful resettlement. Structural resettlement focuses on the seven pathways to reducing reoffending, and whilst factors such as accommodation and education, training and employment are critical, Constructive Resettlement examines the personal support required for the child around their pro-social identity development. The Constructive Resettlement framework informs structural support measures and enables the right support to be put in place to meet the needs of the child.

Resettlement research found that practitioners were working really hard to develop resettlement plans, but the focus on structural support only meant that despite all this hard work, plans were not suitable or sustainable and children continued to reoffend. Constructive Resettlement and the ability to use personalised support to underpin the structural support is what makes the difference for sustained, positive outcomes. Supporting the child towards a positive pro-social identity is critical to desistance.

Refer to the CR framework. This has three key elements: Constructive Casework, The 5Cs and identity awareness. First and foremost, it must be led by the child. Start by asking children four key questions. Who are you? Who do you want to be? What are your strengths? How are you going to get there? Focus on the messages the child is giving you about their identity and their vision for the future. Think about how you can work most effectively with all partners to ensure to you all underline their positive identity and remain future-focused and strengths-based within your practice. Resettlement begins when you know the child is likely to go into custody, examine all the opportunities you have to focus on their vision for the future and use the four key questions to inform resettlement planning at every stage.

The YCS have also adopted Constructive Resettlement as their theory of change so all partners will be developing their practice with this in mind. Think about all the opportunities you have to build trust and confidence with the child. Get to know which factors will underline their pro-social identity. Always make resettlement a focus. Work closely to share information and talk with partners to ensure that the plans being made in custody address the child’s needs and are aligned with the long-term resettlement planning, beyond their time in custody and beyond the end of their order. Use the four key questions to develop a resettlement plan that uses personalised support to underpin the structural elements that you are putting in place. This should be revisited at every opportunity including initial meetings and all review meetings. Make every interaction count!

The designated YOT case worker is the lead practitioner for the child and they should act as a broker to tie all the relevant agencies together to develop and oversee an effective resettlement plan, even when the child is in custody. Work closely with social workers, health teams, Resettlement Practitioners and other key partners relevant to the child to ensure that resettlement plans are constructive, co-created with the child, customised, consistent and coordinated.

Most of the children we work with do not follow a linear pathway from a pro-offending identity to a pro-social identity. It is more like a game of snakes and ladders with steps driving them forwards and also setbacks. It’s important that you work with children to discuss the setback as temporary on their long-term journey to who they want to be and a positive future. Address any aspects that may have directly led to them reoffend. Remain supportive and consistent in your approach.

Listen to the child and use the answers to the four key questions to support your structural plans around resettlement. The child must own their plan and be fully engaged in the process. This can take time, so building a good relationship with the child is critical. Be transparent and honest and always have contingency plans that are communicated to the child should plans fall apart. The child’s existing network is essential. Look to this network to find positive role models who can offer time and support to the child in achieving their aims. Avoid placements and activities that undermine their pro-social identity.  Professional partnerships are also key in enabling you to offer a menu of support to the child with options that align the personal and structural elements.

Yes, the Constructive Resettlement framework can be used to support all children. It is about placing the child at the centre of planning and using the messages they are giving you to put support in place that enables them to meet their vision and aspirations. Using the messages the child is giving you and ensuring they take ownership will enable you to put the right structural support in place. For example, it’s not just about sourcing education, training and employment, but about placing the child in the right ETE to support them on their journey.

You are already in the right place to begin your journey around Constructive Resettlement. The London Resettlement Partnership is offering training to London partners to explore Constructive Resettlement in depth and to begin examining how you can put this into practice. Keep revisiting this site as we develop resources and toolkits that can support your practice. If you’d like to enquire about arranging a training session for your team, please get in touch here.