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Blog by David Parks OBE, Director of The Skill Mill
Last week, I had the great honour of being invited to present our work at the National Partnership for Juvenile Services Symposium in Salt Lake City, where juvenile justice leaders and practitioners from across the US and internationally gathered. This was an incredible opportunity to share insights from A Decade of Desistance, highlighting the transformative power of tailored, outcomes-based interventions that support young people in breaking free from cycles of offending.
The experience became even more memorable as I was awarded the prestigious James E. Gould Award*, recognizing our collective work in the United Kingdom in advancing meaningful reform in juvenile services.
A Decade of Desistance: A Journey of Transformation
In my presentation, A Decade of Desistance, I explored the impact of sustained, structured intervention in the lives of young people who have been involved in the justice system through The Skill Mill. Desistance - the process of abstaining from criminal behaviour—doesn’t happen overnight. It requires a supportive network, targeted interventions, and pathways to education, employment, and personal development. Over the past ten years, our focus has been on fostering these pathways, understanding what helps young people to build positive identities beyond their offenses, and learning how to support them to overcome the barriers they face.
Key Insights Shared at the Symposium In Salt Lake City, I highlighted some of the pivotal factors that contribute to successful desistance, including:
Employment Opportunities: Real, paid work experience is a cornerstone in the journey to desistance. We have seen young people grow significantly when given the chance to gain practical skills in meaningful roles, particularly through community projects and environmental work.
Skill Development and Mentorship: Vocational training coupled with mentoring helps young people develop both professional and life skills. Having a consistent adult presence through mentors fosters trust and a positive work ethic.
Holistic Support: Addressing the underlying causes of offending - such as trauma, lack of education, and poverty—through integrated support services has proven essential to long-term success.
The Power of Data-Driven Impact
One of the most exciting parts of the presentation was sharing data-driven insights from a decade of tracking outcomes. For example, participants in our structured, supportive employment programme at The Skill Mill have consistently shown a reoffending rate significantly lower than the national average. These measurable outcomes help to demonstrate not only the social value of our work but also the economic benefits of investing in prevention and intervention over detention.
David Parks OBE is Honoured with the James E. Gould Award
Receiving the James E. Gould Award at the symposium was both humbling and inspiring. This award recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to juvenile services, and I am incredibly grateful to have been selected. It stands as a testament to the dedication of all those who have contributed to this work - the young people who strive every day to create better futures, the supervisors who support them, my fellow board members and core team and the policymakers and partners who also champion evidence-based reform.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey
Reflecting on the symposium and the award, I am filled with gratitude and a renewed commitment to our mission. This recognition fuels my drive to expand these initiatives, collaborate with partners across sectors, and continue to innovate. Together, we can build a system that not only addresses youth offending but also empowers young people to lead fulfilling, crime-free lives.
Thank you to the National Partnership for Juvenile Services, the symposium attendees, and the selection committee for the James E. Gould Award. I look forward to the next steps in this journey and to many more years of impactful work ahead.
* James E. Gould was a prominent figure in juvenile justice in the US and known for his visionary work and dedication to improving the lives of at-risk youth. As a leader and advocate at the Department of Justice and the Office for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, he championed initiatives that prioritised rehabilitation over punishment, focusing on interventions that addressed the root causes of youth offending. His legacy includes pioneering programs that emphasized education, community involvement, and family support, setting new standards for effective approaches in juvenile services. Gould’s influence extends far beyond his lifetime; the James E. Gould Award, named in his honour, is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing juvenile justice reform, ensuring that his values and ideals continue to inspire positive change in the field.