IMPACT adopted a ‘holistic’ approach in working with those at risk and those involved in car crime. Due to the complex nature of this type of crime it was decided that IMPACT would adopt a 3-tier strategy to address the needs of those involved in or at risk of car crime.

Education/Prevention
IMPACT designed, developed and delivered a 4-session education prevention programme. This programme was aimed at raising awareness of consequences of car crime and in particular victim empathy issues. This programme was delivered in primary and secondary schools in the greater west Belfast area. To date over 130 classes have participated in this programme with over 2500 students completing it.

Diversion
IMPACT aimed at targeting those on the fringes of car crime and diverting them away from this activity. This was achieved through developing partnerships in the community and delivering diversionary programmes. 8 programmes have been delivered throughout greater west Belfast area. These groups are needs led and developed in response to issues identified by youth workers and young people alike.

Intervention
Engaging with persistent high-risk offenders is also the remit of IMPACT. IMPACT works with these offenders both in custody and in the community. IMPACT developed and delivered 2 cognitive behaviour group work programmes – one for juvenile and one for adult offenders. Both these groups are informed by the ‘what works’ research. The juvenile programme is 10 sessions, with the adult programme lasting 13 sessions. IMPACT, through agreement will supervise individual clients who are subject to statutory court orders i.e. Probation Order, Youth Conferencing Order, and Juvenile Justice Centre Order.

This co-ordinated 3-tiered approach is successful in identifying and engaging with those most at risk, helping to support and supervise those offenders when in the community. In January 2004 IMPACT won the International Community Justice Award for Public Protection.