The North London borough of Islington has achieved a dramatic reduction in knife crime and youth offending through a pioneering early intervention strategy. By adopting a 'child first, offender second' philosophy, the area has transformed from one of the highest reoffending rates in England and Wales to a national leader in youth justice.
A Decade of Transformation in Islington
Just over a decade ago, Islington was grappling with severe levels of youth crime, with its youth justice service placed in special measures by Ofsted due to alarmingly high reoffending rates. Today, the borough tells a very different story. The Islington Youth Justice Service (YJS) is now ranked as the highest in London and the third-highest nationally, marking a remarkable turnaround.
Since 2016, the number of children entering the youth justice system in Islington has plummeted by an impressive 80 per cent. Reoffending rates have also been reversed, now standing among the lowest in the country. This success is attributed to early intervention and significant investment in youth services.
Investing in Youth Hubs and Targeted Support
Curtis Ashton, Director of Young Islington in Islington Council's children services team, highlights that while many local authorities are closing youth centres, Islington is bucking this trend by opening new facilities. In 2022, the borough launched a youth hub in the Andover Estate, a more deprived area, followed by the Elthorne Youth Hub in 2023.
"We also invest in effective targeted services for young people," Ashton explained. "These services provide help or protection for specific issues, such as difficulties in school or problems at home." The council's current focus is on maintaining high standards through universal support accessible to all children, alongside targeted and specialist services where needed.
Ashton emphasised the importance of ongoing efforts: "It's crucial that we continue to reduce knife crime, serious violence, and gang-related issues. These children are our adults of tomorrow, so they deserve the best possible start in life."
Continued Progress and Positive Outcomes
Progress has been sustained since Ofsted awarded Islington YJS an 'Outstanding' rating in 2024. Knife crime among under-25s fell by two-thirds in the year to November 2025 compared to the previous 12 months. Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo, Islington Council executive member for children, young people and families, noted that avoiding judgement on children in the justice system has yielded positive results.
"We don't expect them to come to us; we go to where they are, through youth workers or hubs," she said. "For some, communication is tough initially, but we've found ways to meet them halfway." Cllr Safi-Ngongo stressed that continued government investment is essential to keeping youth crime low, stating, "Funding matters. The more we invest, the better the outcomes."
Success Stories from the Community
Romani Notice, 17, exemplifies the success of Islington YJS. After nearly being sent to a young offenders institute, he has worked with the service for three years and is now pursuing a career in construction. "It changed my whole mindset," he shared. "It brought me closer to God and my family."
Other teenagers have also benefited. One involved in gang activity and substance misuse is now exploring further education and part-time work, while another, exploited by a county lines drug gang, has worked with a psychologist to manage trauma from being stabbed and is applying for college.
This holistic approach, combining investment, non-judgemental support, and community engagement, has positioned Islington as a model for reducing youth crime across the UK.
