Note: To keep the young person's identity confidential, we refer to them as 'Riley' throughout the example below. Any individuals in the header image are for illustrative purposes only and are not the subjects of this case study.
About Young Futures Panels
Young Futures Panels support earlier, more effective interventions for children and young people at risk of poor life outcomes and increased vulnerability to crime. By identifying these individuals sooner, the programme makes sure they are offered access to tailored support.
Our organisation played a central part in the rollout of the Young Futures Panel in Hull by funding, coordinating, shaping and supporting the initiative. Keep reading to discover how early, relationship-building interventions can help young people like Riley move away from violence and crime.
Riley’s background and risk assessment
Riley was reported to be carrying knives in the company of a group who were known to the Young Futures Panel.
After being robbed at knife point in 2025, Riley felt the need to protect himself. As he only spent one hour a day at school and had low self-confidence, he was socially isolated and made poor choices in friends. He lived with his grandma (his primary carer) and had mixed and confused emotions about his family.
The panel arranged for a risk assessment with Riley and a Designated Safeguarding Lead. Their goal was to support Riley to improve his confidence, emotional regulation skills and methods for keeping safe in the community.
Supporting Riley and his family
Riley was shown informational workbooks on topics including weapons and knives, drugs and alcohol, and bullying. He was also referred to local intervention programmes led by Tigers Trust, Flipside and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
Young Futures Panels recognise that whole-family support is essential for sustaining progress. Therefore, Riley’s mum was signposted to services to help with debt relief and is accessing support for her mental health. An appointment was also made for her to take Riley to the opticians. His mum said: “Thank you for helping me – I was so overwhelmed.”
Focus, drive and a sense of belonging
Since getting involved with the recommended programmes, Riley’s mental and physical wellbeing has greatly improved. He now has a focus, drive and sense of belonging.
Riley actively took part in the educational activities and is attending maths lessons at The Warren Youth Project – where he is excelling. His Interventions Officer and contact at Flipside are appealing for him to return to mainstream education.
The Flipside worker said: “I can’t believe what a brilliant young person they are. They have blown everyone away.”
Trying new activities
Now, Riley can recognise his own negative behaviours and those of other people. He is better at identifying when he is becoming dysregulated and is employing ways to keep calm. If anything concerns him, he is great at expressing himself and will ask for support from a trusted adult.
He also doesn’t hesitate to try new things, including cooking, youth groups and DJing. Riley said: “I really love cooking. I’m finding maths really easy and maybe need to be challenged more. I look at some of my mates and see they are making bad choices. That’s not for me.”
