Inside Out evaluation

The programme works with young people in care, who have a range of needs and experiences.

They are affected by significant trauma and have a range of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence and other harm in the family home.

After removal from the family home, it can be a struggle to maintain placements and these often break down, leading to fractious relationships, instability, and frequent placement moves. Many young people are not able to access the support that they need to help them process trauma and overcome adverse experiences.

As a result of these compounding factors, many of the young people display behaviours such as going missing, offending, substance misuse, a lack of engagement in education, poor mental health, and anger. Many of the young people are at risk of exploitation and further harm. These young people have often had a long history of statutory service involvement, and their experiences have led to a deep mistrust of these services, particularly social care. 

The evaluation found significant impact on outcomes. However, it also notes that it is incredibly complex and difficult to overcome years of trauma, and the programme’s role should be viewed as helping young people to 'mitigate the adverse effects of their histories and guiding them towards a more positive life trajectory' rather than completely overcome these within 18 months.

Young people have increased stability

There was a significant reduction in missing episodes:

• Young people had an average of 34 missing episodes in the 12 months prior to receiving support. After receiving support, this significantly dropped to 6 in the same time period.
• This is equivalent to an average of 4.7 missing episodes per participant over the last 3 months at the start of the programme, compared to 1.7 a year into the programme.

There was an increase in placement stability:

• Before receiving support young people had an average of 4.1 placements over the previous 12 months. After receiving support, this had dropped by half to 2.2 placements over the same time period.

Since they [Inside Out] have become involved, he’s settled, and remained in his placement for over a year – actually a year and 2 months.

There was a reduction in offending:

• The average number of offences reduced for 60% of the young people (looking at 12 months prior to joining, a year later)

Young people have improved emotional health and well-being

Interviews and feedback indicate that young people felt happier, calmer, less anxious and more reflective about their own behaviour as a result of the programme.

If I didn’t have them, I probably wouldn’t have as much confidence I have now

In addition, the evaluation found some evidence of improved relationships. For those for whom it was appropriate, the evaluation identified that there are indicators of improved relationships with families, and increased contact. It also noted better relationships with peers, including a reduction in negative relationships, and with carers and professionals. There was also evidence of gaining qualifications, engagement in education, training, or employment, and increased aspiration for the future:

'She’s also been able to not only have a job but maintain that job which is brilliant, really really brilliant. And it sounds like as a result of this co-working between Social Care and the Inside Out worker that has brought this about' - Social Work Manager

The evaluation conducted a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), which found that:

• Because of the availability of Inside Out coaches, there was an overall reduction in time spent in supporting participants by Social Workers of 17.53 hours (around a 67% reduction) – from 26.1 hours per week to 8.6 hours per month. This resulted in an annual saving of around £7,560 in Social Worker time for each participant.
• 27% of participants achieved a ‘step-down’ in placement provision, compared to 15% of young people in care who did not receive support. This equated to a cost saving of around £16,130 per annum.
• As a result of an average reduction of around 8.5 missing episodes per participant, there was a cost saving of £17,590 per annum.
• Improved mental health amongst participants would lead to a £780 saving for public services per participant in future.

The CBA found that as a result of the savings outlined, the evaluation found that there was a £2.50 return for every £1 invested in the model. This was made up of both cashable and non-cashable savings.

If you'd like more information, read the full evaluation here