Key Points
- Islington, a North London borough, has seen a drastic reduction in youth crime, including an 80 per cent drop in children entering the youth justice system since 2016.
- The borough adopted a “child first, offender second” approach, transforming its Youth Justice Service (YJS) from special measures by Ofsted 12 years ago to the highest ranked in London and third-highest nationally within a decade.
- Reoffending rates, previously among the highest in England and Wales, are now among the lowest in the country.
- Knife crime among under-25s fell by two-thirds in the year to November 2025 compared to the prior 12 months.
- Ofsted rated Islington YJS as ‘Outstanding’ in 2024.
- The council invested in opening new youth centres, including the Andover Estate youth hub in 2022 and Elthorne Youth Hub in 2023, while most local authorities are closing theirs.
- Early intervention, targeted services for issues like school difficulties or home problems, and universal support for all children underpin the success.
- Director of Young Islington Curtis Ashton credits heavy investment and a focus on keeping children safe from knife crime, serious violence, and gang issues.
- Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo, Islington Council executive member for children, young people and families, highlights the benefits of withholding judgement on children in the youth justice service.
Islington (North London News) January 28, 2026 – Islington Council has achieved a remarkable turnaround in youth crime, with knife crime among under-25s dropping by two-thirds in the year to November 2025 compared to the previous 12 months, thanks to a “child first, offender second” approach adopted by its Youth Justice Service (YJS).
Just 12 years ago, the borough was grappling with grave levels of youth crime, including a youth justice service placed in special measures by Ofsted and reoffending rates among the highest in England and Wales. Today, after a decade of early intervention and investment, Islington YJS ranks highest in London and third nationally, with an 80 per cent reduction in children entering the system since 2016 and reoffending rates now among the lowest nationwide.
What Triggered Islington’s Youth Crime Crisis 12 Years Ago?
Twelve years prior to this transformation, Islington struggled to contain severe youth crime issues, as documented in local reporting. The council’s youth justice service faced Ofsted special measures due to poor performance, with reoffending rates standing out as exceptionally high across England and Wales. This dire situation underscored the need for radical change, setting the stage for the borough’s innovative response.
Stories from the era, such as those highlighting youth involved in crime at young ages, painted a picture of systemic challenges, including links to broader issues like dodging custodial sentences.
How Did the “Child First, Offender Second” Approach Emerge?
The pivotal shift came with Islington’s adoption of a “child first, offender second” philosophy, prioritising early intervention over punitive measures. This strategy flipped the service’s fortunes, elevating it to top rankings within a decade. By focusing on the child’s needs before their offences, the approach addressed root causes effectively.
As detailed in council documents like the Early Intervention and Help Strategy, this model emphasised prevention and support from the outset.
Why Has Knife Crime Among Under-25s Plummeted by Two-Thirds?
Progress accelerated post-Ofsted’s ‘Outstanding’ rating for Islington YJS in 2024, culminating in a two-thirds drop in knife crime among under-25s for the year ending November 2025 versus the prior period. This statistic reflects sustained efforts amid national concerns over serious violence.
The decline aligns with broader reductions in youth justice involvement, demonstrating the approach’s impact on high-risk behaviours.
What Role Did New Youth Hubs Play?
Curtis Ashton, Director of Young Islington in Islington Council’s children services team, attributes the success to early intervention and investment, telling MyLondon:
“Whilst most local authorities are closing youth centres, Islington’s actually been opening them.”
He highlighted the 2022 opening of a youth hub on the deprived Andover Estate and the 2023 launch of Elthorne Youth Hub.
These facilities provide universal access points, countering deprivation-related risks.
What Targeted Services Support Vulnerable Young People?
Mr Ashton explained the council’s targeted services for young people needing help or protection:
“The targeted service can support a young person who needs help or protection in relation to a particular issue. They may need help because they’re experiencing difficulties in school, or support because they’re experiencing problems at home.”
This layered support—universal, targeted, and specialist—ensures comprehensive coverage.
How Is Islington Maintaining These Gains?
The council now centres efforts on sustaining top standards, as per Mr Ashton:
“It’s really important that we continue to focus on keeping our children and young people safe; that we reduce knife crime, serious violence and gang-related issues.”
He stressed:
“Those children are our adults of tomorrow, so it’s very important they have the best possible start in life.”
Universal support for all Islington children complements targeted interventions.
What Does Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo Say About the Approach?
Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo, Islington Council executive member for children, young people and families, emphasised non-judgemental handling: she said withholding judgement on children entering the youth justice service has yielded positive results. This stance fosters rehabilitation over stigmatisation.
Her comments reinforce the human-centred ethos driving the borough’s success.
Which Ofsted Inspections Marked Key Milestones?
Ofsted’s special measures 12 years ago contrasted sharply with the 2024 ‘Outstanding’ rating, validating the YJS overhaul. This national third-place ranking underscores Islington’s leadership.
The journey from failure to excellence involved rigorous reforms.
What National Context Highlights Islington’s Achievement?
While Islington celebrates an 80 per cent drop in youth justice entries since 2016, its reoffending turnaround bucks national trends. Becoming London’s top and nationally third-placed service positions it as a model amid broader challenges in England and Wales.
Why Invest in Youth Centres Amid Closures Elsewhere?
As reported by MyLondon, Mr Ashton’s remarks spotlight Islington’s contrarian strategy: opening hubs in deprived areas like Andover Estate despite widespread closures. The 2022 and 2023 openings signal long-term commitment.
These investments target hotspots for crime risks.
How Does Early Intervention Prevent Reoffending?
Reoffending rates, once peak-level, now rank low nationally, thanks to proactive measures. Mr Ashton’s focus on school and home support illustrates this preventive model.
What Challenges Remain for Islington’s Young People?
Despite gains, vigilance persists against knife crime, violence, and gangs, as Mr Ashton noted. The council balances universal and specialist services to safeguard futures.
Cllr Safi-Ngongo’s approach ensures ongoing positivity.
Broader Implications for North London?
Islington’s model offers lessons for neighbouring boroughs facing similar youth crime pressures. Its data-driven, child-focused strategy could inspire regional replication.
