4/29/2008 8:33:00 AM
The Guardian 29 April
Ministers want mentoring for young children to solve behaviour issues early. Yet funding for such projects may be at risk. Caroline Roberts reports . A year ago, Connor found it hard to talk to adults and express his feelings. He had no friends in his peer group and school was a bad experience. He would get angry and throw things. Now, the 10-year-old is looking forward to "graduating" from a mentoring scheme that has transformed his behaviour and, possibly, his future. The change has come about through Chance UK, a charity that pairs volunteer mentors with children who have behavioural difficulties and are thought to be at risk of becoming involved in crime. "Typically, these children would have problems controlling their temper, getting into fights, and would be excluded from school on a regular basis, or even permanently," says Gracia McGrath, its chief executive. Last month, the government emphasised its commitment to nipping problem behaviour in the bud by announcing an early intervention initiative - part of the Youth Taskforce Action Plan - that will target 1,000 of the most problematic young people using individual support from a "persistent and assertive" key worker. The scheme may focus on children as young as 10. But, says McGrath, problems can be identified much earlier on.Guardian
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