Officials from the Department for Education (DfE) visited the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to learn more about Northamptonshire’s innovative approach to supporting vulnerable children and young people.
The visit brought together partners from across government and public services to see first-hand how Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone and her specialist teams are working to reduce harm, address vulnerability and prevent young people from being drawn into crime, exploitation and violence.
Guests were welcomed by Danielle and Jackie Jones, Director for Targeted Support and Designated Safeguarding, before hearing from practitioners delivering frontline support across the county. Practitioners showcased a range of programmes, including the Girls Pathway Project, Domestic Abuse Support Team, Prison Intervention Project, Operation Satin and Operation Phoenix, demonstrating how targeted support is helping improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
The visit highlighted Northamptonshire’s joined-up approach to safeguarding, bringing together policing, education, health and specialist services to identify risk early and provide support before problems escalate.
Jackie Jones, Director for Targeted Support and Designated Safeguarding, said:
“I am incredibly proud of our teams and the life-changing difference they make every day for children, young people and families across Northamptonshire.
“This work is about spotting vulnerability early, building trusted relationships and ensuring support reaches people when they need it most. Our practitioners help young people navigate some of the most difficult challenges they face, and through strong partnership working we are creating safer futures and better opportunities for them to thrive.”
Delivered through the Commissioner’s Safe and Sound Young People programme, specialist teams work directly with young people and families to tackle vulnerability, reduce harm and address the root causes of risk. The programme brings together a range of preventative services, working alongside Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, local authorities, the Children’s Trust, health providers and specialist youth organisations to ensure no young person falls through the gaps.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said:
“It was fantastic to welcome representatives from across government and partner agencies to Northamptonshire and showcase the pioneering work taking place here.
“What makes this approach so powerful is the way organisations come together around children, young people and families. The people who know them best are working collectively, sharing expertise and making informed decisions to provide support at the earliest possible stage.
“By intervening sooner, we can prevent harm, reduce pressure on emergency services and allow policing to focus on those who pose the greatest risk to our communities. It also helps to take demand away from frontline officers by addressing issues before they escalate into crises, meaning police time and resources can be directed where they are needed most.
“If we get this right, the impact on young people’s lives can be transformational.
“Northamptonshire has already built something truly special, but there is still more we can achieve. By continuing to strengthen our partnerships and invest in prevention, we can create even better outcomes for young people across our county.”
The visit reflects growing national interest in Northamptonshire’s prevention-first approach, as set out in Danielle Stone’s Safe and Sound Young People Manifesto. The manifesto outlines a commitment to helping young people feel safe, supported and heard through early intervention, safeguarding and targeted support, underpinned by the belief that investing in young people today creates stronger, safer communities tomorrow.
Building on that momentum, members of Danielle’s team will attend Portcullis House in Westminster on 16 November, where they will meet MPs, policing leaders and fellow Police and Crime Commissioners to share learning from Northamptonshire’s pioneering work. The event will provide an opportunity to showcase the impact of the county’s prevention-focused approach and explore how successful local initiatives could help shape policy and improve outcomes for young people nationally.
For more information, please visit: Safe and Sound : Young People Manifesto – Northamptonshire Police & Fire Commissioner
