Transitions is a programme which engages young people aged 17-25 at risk of involvement in serious violence. The Transitions programme provides bespoke, open-ended support designed to promote wellbeing, strengthen protective factors and address identified risk factors. Transitions sits within the voluntary sector organisation Future Projects and is co-located at the Baseline Centre (an organisational and community hub in Norwich).
This report details findings from an independent evaluation of Transitions, conducted by a research team from the Institute for Social Justice and Crime, at the University of Suffolk. The mixed methods evaluation included analysis of programme documents and qualitative service data, a stakeholder mapping and Theory of Change workshop with five Future Projects staff and commissioners, interviews with three (former or current) Future Projects staff linked to the programme, storytelling interviews with three young people and two family members supported by Transitions, observations and discussions with four professionals during fieldwork at the Baseline Centre, and a ripple effects mapping workshop with 12 professionals.
Findings indicate that Transitions is aligned with key principles of transitional safeguarding and trauma-informed practice, with the positive relationship between young people and the Youth Connector identified as particularly foundational to the service. Participants (including young people, family members and professionals who took part in the evaluation) described a range of positive impacts for young people linked to accessing Transitions, particularly regarding navigation and support with accessing services and increased hope for the future. Knowing that young people were being supported by a safe, trusted adult enhanced the wellbeing of family members.
During the ripple effects mapping workshop, professional participants described compelling impacts in addressing young people’s support needs in relation to safety, justice and wellbeing. Participants also identified positive changes in professional practice and local systems.
Findings also highlighted areas for improvement regarding monitoring and evaluation and trauma-informed practice in relation to staff wellbeing and sustainability.
Recommendations include expanding the team of professionals delivering the Transitions Service (subject to funding), continuing to implement principles of trauma-informed practice to promote staff wellbeing, building capacity in relation to monitoring and evaluation, and investing in digital infrastructure to support data collection and analysis.