This month, we’re delighted to share findings from two studies commissioned by the Youth Endowment Fund which strengthen the evidence available to those working to prevent children’s involvement in violence.

The first is our evaluation of Future Men’s Boys’ Development Programme: a targeted, school-based social and emotional learning programme for boys at risk of disengagement or exclusion. This randomised controlled trial involved 486 boys across eight secondary schools in South London. It found that the programme had a positive impact on boys’ engagement with school, alongside promising findings relating to behavioural difficulties, emotional problems and relationships with teachers. The study received the Youth Endowment Fund’s highest evidence security rating. It makes an important contribution to the UK evidence on targeted social and emotional learning, while highlighting the value of consistent support from trusted and relatable adults.

The second is our exploratory review of evidence-based practice in policing to prevent children’s involvement in violence. Drawing on a national survey of police forces and police and crime commissioners, expert interviews, policy and practice reviews, and multi-agency workshops, the research examined how evidence informs police decision-making and what shapes its use in practice. The report sets out six recommendations for police leaders, organised around three priorities: treating children as children, focusing on what works, and delivering diversion well.

These reports reflect how we support clients in preventing involvement in the criminal justice system: building evidence about what works and helping understand how this evidence can be translated into practice across organisations and systems to improve outcomes.