An Impact Evaluation of the Youth to Adulthood (Y2A) Hub for Emerging Adults on Probation

Emerging adulthood (ages 18–25) is a challenging period because of recent societal changes (e.g., later age of marriage) and ongoing biological and neural development. Those in this age range who have committed offences pose unique challenges to the criminal justice system and particularly the probation service. Whilst most young people desist from offending during this period, reoffending rates remain high. Unfortunately, there is limited evidence about how best to support emerging adults who are on probation. The Youth to Adulthood Hub (Y2A Hub) is a unique intervention embedded within one diverse probation area in London, England which uses a holistic approach aimed at fostering engagement. This intervention includes practical support (e.g., housing, employment), and tailored psychological support delivered in a trauma and culturally informed manner. Administrative data was used to compare the rates of attendance at statutory probation meetings between individuals who had received support from the Y2A hub (N = 73) and a control group of individuals (N = 860) from similar probation areas, controlling for age, ethnicity, and risk levels, using a multivariable binomial regression model. The results suggested that the Y2A was associated with a significant increase in engagement with probation and a reduction in unacceptable absences. The Y2A hub is a promising approach for addressing the needs of criminally justice involved young adults but further evaluation is warranted.