Kiddo’s Choice

“An excellent multi-agency event that helps to highlight how anti-social behaviour affects the community and the consequences of getting involved in that behaviour”

The quote above is a typical summary of Kiddo’s Choice, a multi-agency event that is delivered to year 7 pupils that aims to increase youngsters’ awareness of the consequences of behaving in an anti-social way and committing a crime. The event which is an integral part of the All Wales School Liaison Core Programme (AWSLCP)  looks at the consequences for the perpetrator,  his or her family and friends and the community in general.

Kiddo’s Choice which forms part of the Social Behaviour and Community strand is an excellent example of partnership working and begins with a viewing of the Kiddo’s Choice DVD / drama production followed by a series of workshops organised in a carousel manner, delivered by School Community Police officers (SCPOs), Magistrates,  Youth Offending Teams and the Prison Service.

The event is very impactive as illustrated by the following quotes:

“The DVD and workshops really made me think”

“The workshops were fun but the messages were serious”

“It’s good to take part in Kiddo’s Choice and hopefully we wouldn’t behave like that and get into trouble”

“The thought of going to court is quite scary”

Partner agencies value the opportunity to work with pupils. Typical comments include:

“The workshops allow pupils to understand more about the work we do and reinforce the key message that actions often do have dire consequences”

“Hopefully the workshops will help deter pupils from behaving in an anti-social manner”

Kiddo’s Choice is a key part of the Core Programme delivered by SCPOs in Wales’ Secondary Schools. Comments on Kiddo’s Choice from SCPOs include:

“Crime Prevention at its best!”

“This is an informative and interactive event where pupils are free to ask questions and learn in a fun environment”

“Pupils learn about the criminal justice system and the consequences of living with their actions”