From Youth Court to Construction: How Islington's Approach Transformed a Teen's Life
At just 14 years old, Romani Notice stood in a youth court, facing the very real possibility of being locked up in a young offender institution. Peer pressure had drawn him into a perilous world of street violence, disagreements, and fights—a lifestyle that tragically culminated in witnessing a friend die. But in that critical moment, with his future hanging in the balance, Romani made a pivotal decision to change his path.
A Moment of Clarity and Commitment to Change
"It snapped in my head," Romani recalled, gazing thoughtfully upward. "I thought 'this is real, you dodged going to juvie as a 14-year-old' and I realised I didn’t want to be like this anymore. I’ve got to change, and I have to be the one to make the change." This epiphany marked the beginning of a remarkable journey away from crime and toward personal growth.
Now aged 17, Romani has become one of the many success stories championed by the Islington Youth Justice Service. After being placed in special measures back in 2014, this North London borough's Youth Justice Service has undergone a dramatic transformation. It is now ranked as the best in London and boasts one of the lowest reoffending rates across the whole of England.
Therapeutic Support and Community Engagement
Over the past three years, Romani has diligently worked with therapists, completed community service, and even honed his skills in music production to build a foundation for a positive future. His ambitions now firmly set on a career in the construction industry.
"I felt depressed," he confessed to MyLondon. "Seeing what I was doing to other people, and witnessing all the terrible things that happen, it completely changed my mindset. It brought me closer to God, it strengthened my family bonds, and it inspired me to explore new avenues in life."
Root Causes and the Temptation of Quick Gains
Romani believes that poverty and the fear of bullying are key factors that drive young people toward negative lifestyles. "In secondary school, kids with worn-out shoes or shabby clothes would get mocked relentlessly," he explained. "They were treated differently compared to those wearing trendy Jordans."
He described how enticing offers from older individuals can lure youths into dangerous shortcuts. "Imagine someone says, 'I can make you a couple hundred pounds, give you £50, I can set you up.' As a young person, you might think, 'Wow, I could feed my mum, buy new clothes, even get a car.' But those shortcuts aren't worth it—they lead to ruin."
Life-Changing Community Service
Romani's community service involved assisting children with special needs in learning to ride bicycles in Arsenal. This experience of working closely with vulnerable individuals deeply impacted him, highlighting how many are exploited by gang members. It reinforced his determination to avoid a similar fate.
"To help young people steer clear of this path, more resources need to be accessible," he emphasised. "I had psychology and therapy sessions that helped me discover who I truly was. One therapist read me like a book—she saw the holes and errors in my life and gave me a solid plan. Now, I'm rehabilitated and have no desire to engage in harmful activities."
Islington's Outstanding Youth Justice Service
In 2024, Ofsted judged the Islington Youth Justice Service as 'Outstanding'. This remarkable turnaround is largely attributed to adopting a "child first, offender second" approach, which has led to an impressive 80 per cent reduction in children entering the justice system since 2016.
Curtis Ashton, Director of Islington Council's Children's Services, pointed to substantial investment and early intervention as crucial drivers of this success. "In 2022, we opened another youth hub on the Andover Estate, a more deprived area, and in 2023, we launched the Elthorne Youth Hub," he told MyLondon.
"While many local authorities are closing youth centres, Islington is actively opening new ones. We also invest in targeted services for young people facing specific issues, whether difficulties at school or problems at home. This early support is key to keeping them on the right track."
Ashton stressed the importance of ongoing efforts: "It's vital that we continue focusing on keeping our children safe—reducing knife crime, serious violence, and gang-related issues. These young people are our future adults, and they deserve the best possible start in life."
Romani's story stands as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of Islington's youth justice strategies, demonstrating that with the right support, individuals can overcome adversity and build brighter futures.
