Involvement in youth violence and crime (youth offending risk). The study targets adolescents who have one or more recognised risk factors for involvement in violence, offending, or related antisocial behaviour, and evaluates whether a structured boxing programme reduces offending and improves socio-emotional and behavioural outcomes. Other
Conditions
Interventions
Randomisation approach: This is a two-arm, parallel-group randomised controlled trial comprising an internal pilot followed by an efficacy phase. Eligible participants are individually randomised (1:1
Sponsors
The Behavioural Insights Team
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
13 Years to 18 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Young people are eligible to participate in the study (and to receive the boxing intervention, should they be randomised to it) if they are in, or would be eligible to be in, academic years 9-13 at the point of referral. 2. Young people are eligible to participate in the study if one or more of the following characteristics apply: 2.1. CYPs have been excluded from school (two or more fixed term exclusions in the last 3 years or ever permanently excluded). 2.2. CYPs have been referred to alternative education provision (PRUs, other relevant educational settings) 2.3. CYP is identified as engaging in violent/challenging/antisocial behaviours at home, school, or in community. 2.4. CYP is known to associate with criminal peer groups/gangs. 2.5. CYP is known to engage in substance misuse. 2.6. CYP is known to have been exposed to domestic abuse in the home. 2.7. CYP is believed to be at risk of or currently experiencing criminal exploitation. 2.8. CYP has a sibling or close family member who has entered into the criminal justice system. 2.9. Referrer can produce a compelling justification (on other grounds) that they are at risk of involvement in crime, violence or antisocial behaviour. We will consider these on a case-by-case basis.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. They are planning to move out of the local area within the delivery timeframe (otherwise they’re likely to drop-out). 2. They are known to have participated in criminal/problematic sexual behaviour (because other services may be more appropriate). 3. They are assessed to be at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, or are experiencing active psychosis (because they would be unable to engage meaningfully and would be more appropriately supported by specialist services). 4. They have participated in structured boxing training or classes for an extended period of time (more than 8 sessions) in the past (because if participants aren’t ‘new learners’, this will diminish our ability to demonstrate impact). 5. They are known to have active conflicts or rivalries with other boxers at their local club or other study participants (because this could pose a danger to them, other club members and to staff). This will be assessed as far as possible on a case-by-case basis, and if it is possible to deliver to such participants at nearby, separate clubs, then this rather than exclusion will be considered.
Countries
England, United Kingdom, Wales
Contacts
Public ContactJack Martin
Outcome results
None listed