Safe houses to keep youths out of gangs

A NETWORK of "safe houses" for young Londoners who want to avoid being pressured into joining gangs will be announced today.

The scheme aims to move vulnerable youths from the areas in which local gangs operate to help them escape the threat of intimidation and coercion.

It is expected to benefit dozens of youngsters each year and will also offer sanctuary to witnesses, friends and family members who wish to help the police or testify on court without the risk of reprisals. The first phase of the scheme, which is funded jointly by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Met, will begin in Southwark this month.

Participants will be given the chance to move to a range of safe houses elsewhere in London or, for those needing to flee further afield, outside the capital across the South-East.

When an individual is deemed vulnerable accommodation will be found within a maximum of 14 days and will be available for up to 12 weeks while a long-term solution, including permanent housing, is found. Announcing the scheme today, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said: "Young people either resisting pressure to join a gang or attempting to leave the gang may face threats to them and their family but these safe houses will provide refuge and respite for those in need."

Councillor Paul Kyriacou, Southwark council's executive member for community safety, said the speed of the scheme, officially known as Serve, would be of particular benefit because it would provide assistance more rapidly than existing alternatives such as the witness protection scheme.

He added: "Many people do not qualify for witness protection services and when they do a move is often not possible for several weeks. Through Serve we will be able to move people within a maximum of 14 days."

As well as those who are resisting being recruited, the safe houses will provide accommodation for victims of gang crime, those who want to testify against members and members who wish to leave their gang.

During their stay in their safe house, Southwark staff and officials from other agencies will help them to plan their next steps and secure long-term housing.

If the Southwark scheme proves successful, the intention is to expand it elsewhere in the capital and across Britain.