We know how to work differently with children caught in cycles of harm. Now we're embedding that approach deep into the systems around them so it becomes impossible to ignore and impossible to undo.
Published June 2026 | 3-year strategy | 2026-2029
WHY NOW?
Since SHiFT’s inception, some things have improved.
Our next strategy builds enthusiastically on these positive developments but is unflinching in naming the many challenges that influence current experiences and outcomes.
Some children are still growing up without the stable foundations they need to navigate adolescence safely and thrive into adulthood.
THE PLAN
THE STRATEGY
THE LAUNCH
“It’s that one relationship that is the turning point, and SHiFT are absolutely exceptional at the way in which they offer and provide that… I'm now looking forward to working with SHiFT in two new areas. The first is bail support, and the second is to serve the 18-to-21 year old cohort.”
– Kate Green
“SHiFT is one of the organisations that really tries to do things right and not cut any corners or water it down in certain areas, they really hold to what they're trying to do.”
“It’s naivety, intelligence, creativity, imagination and lack of experience all rolled into one – that’s a child.”
– Dion Lee
“At SHiFT we work with children who are funny and ambitious and talented and who love all these different things alongside having committed some serious offences. It’s important for us to remember that they are not, and none of us are ever, just one thing.”
– Rosalyn Oladipo
“We've made some really important progress working with organisations like SHiFT and regional politicians like Kate in some short-term real improvements in the system. Children entering the criminal justice system experience problems, in part, because the complexities of their lives and the world they live in have changed dramatically, but our criminal justice system hasn’t kept up.
– Jake Richards
“I’d got into loads of trouble by then. They kept taking my stuff, and when they take my stuff, I kick off and round and round it goes. That stuff’s all I’ve got left of my old life. My nan got me most of it.”
– Gavin, a character developed by Odd Arts and young people from Barton Moss as part of ‘Career Criminal’, a play debuted at the SHiFT Strategy Launch
“John Costi found hope through art while serving time at HMYOI Feltham… The Root Case is a travelling archive. The moments in John's life when the cycle could have been broken, and the moment when it finally was. Every child has a Root Case. Every child has moments that could change the direction of their story. Our responsibility is to make sure those moments are seen and acted on.”
– Amy Ludlow
