Department of Computing
University of Central Lancashire
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2HE
UK
EMail Project Coordinator
(Katie Taylor)
Lancashire Youth Offending Team
Halliwell House
15-17 Halliwell Street
Chorley
PR7 2AL
Lancashire
UK
EMail Project Coordinator
(Nigel Holt)
About DVice
About the Project
This project has been made possible by a generous grant from the Lancashire Digital Development Agency (LDDA).
The project will use broadband technologies to deliver offending behaviour work to the young people of Lancashire within their own community setting.
To our knowledge, this is the first time offending behaviour work has been designed in such an interactive manner and can be accessible to all. Initially the project is piloted for Lancashire, however, since an article about the project was written in the Youth Justice News, it has generated considerable interest throughout the UK. Therefore, the scope of this work has expanded considerably.
Prior to this project, we developed a similar programme in CD-ROM format. Early indications when using this style of work with young people were promising. They found it more engaging, more interactive and less like a classroom situation with pen and paper that they were used to in schools. In addition, the benefits of Broadband technologies as opposed to the CD-ROM format are:
- The work can be ongoing, developed and changed to the needs of the people using the system and changed according to any new legislation. Previously when any changes were made, all the CD-ROMS need to be recalled. This became a time-consuming and costly process.
- Issues around data protection are minimised as there is no need to carry floppy discs to store the information as was previously necessary. The information is stored securly in a central location.
- Management and statistical information is easier to assimilate.
We have used children and young people from different schools throughout Lancashire to help with the development of this project. Their views have been paramount and have proposed the style and feel of the work. They suggested the type of music we were to use, the graphics, and the artwork along with the basic concept and design ideas.
This project has developed from an offending behaviour programme into a number of different projects to actively help and support young people to accept responsibility and make amends for their actions and, learn strategies to disassociate from offending behaviour.