Your life you choose (YLYC) is a multi agency initiative delivering a one day’s presentation to Year 7 pupils in the London Borough of Ealing. It is aimed at deterring young people from a life of crime by making them aware of the consequences of crime not only to themselves if they become offenders, but
also the effects it will have on their parents, friends and victims.

UPDATES COMING SOON - Youth Court, new Supreme Court information & Evaluation Sheets

This initiative by Ealing Magistrates received a Commendation in the National Magistrates in the Community 'Team of the Year Awards 2008 '

The 'Your Life You Choose' name, logo and website are protected by copyright. The copyright is held by Diana Dishley.
The resources on this site can be freely downloaded for educational use in schools & colleges.
Acknowledgement must be given and the YLYC logo and copyright must not be removed.
'Law' - the resources on this website set out the legal position as at 1st January 2008. Users should ensure that any changes in legal procedures are taken into account.

Who are involved?
Magistrates, Police, Prison Officer, Probation Officer, Victim Support, Youth Offending Service and Ex-Offenders.

Who is it organised by?
A committee of members from each of the participating groups led by Ealing Magistrates in the Community
Mrs Diana Dishley JP – info@ylyc.org.uk

Why is it useful to you?
It addresses the following sections from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority [QCA] Programme of Study
– Key Stage 3 Citizenship Curriculum: 1a,f. 2a,b,c. 3a,b,c

The whole day programme includes
1. A DVD of the introductory dramatic presentation showing the criminal stories of 5 young people and the effects this has on themselves, their families, friends and victims.
2. Workshops throughout the day delivered by Magistrates, Police, Prison Officers, Youth Offending Service and Victim Support.
3. Introduction to this website which includes lesson plans and information from each of the agencies involved and a list of useful contacts from related fields.

 

Resource material
The following downloadable content includes everything you need to prepare and run a YOUR LIFE YOU CHOOSE presentation day together with additional material and lesson plans. Click on one of the titles to learn more.
PDF document
Planning a presentation day
(PDF document)

PLANNING A PRESENTATION DAY

Planning guide written by a teacher for teachers. Gives step-by-step planning points and proforma for timetabling and room guides plus post presentation evaluation forms for teachers and pupils.
PDF document
Introduction to Youth Courts
(PDF document)

INTRODUCTION TO YOUTH COURTS

Written by Youth Court Clerk who looks at where and how young people are dealt with and what is involved in the various orders of the court. Also when and why orders may be made against parents and what orders can be made.
PDF document
Magistrates' information
(PDF document)

MAGISTRATES’ INFORMATION

Expanding on the presentation day material this includes the triangle of court hierarchy, what the various courts do and how they are manned. A plan of a courtroom and the sentencing guidelines for robbery of a small business are also included.
PDF document
Police resource
(PDF document)

POLICE RESOURCE

A lesson plan looking at a robbery and the use of Immobilise together with a script for a two scene robbery scenario. Aimed at giving students the answer to ‘how can I protect myself?’ and ‘what do I do if I’m attacked?’
PDF document
Prison resource
(PDF document)

PRISON RESOURCE

Looking at a day in the life of a prisoner and a plan for a discussion session about the effects of custody.
PDF document
Victim support resource
(PDF document)

VICTIM SUPPORT RESOURCE

A bank of information and activities related to considering the position of victims of crime. Trigger points for discussion and creative work together with a word search are included.
PDF document
Youth offending service
(PDF document)

YOUTH OFFENDING SERVICE

Who Ealing Youth Offending Service (YOS) are and what they do. Looking at the court disposals that will involve the work of YOS.
Alex Walkinshaw alias Sgt.Smith of 'The Bill'
Alex
Walkinshaw

A MESSAGE FROM ALEX WALKINSHAW
alias Inspector Smith of 'The Bill'

I heartily recommend schools to become involved in this project to help youngsters avoid being drawn into a possible life of crime . . . and to all young people I would say :

"Be one of the big gang who don't take part in the intimidation and violence of the street gangs that can wreck peoples lives,
giving themselves no hope for the future. Take pride in the fact that you're better than that".