Latisse Balfour; Case Study

Early opportunities to address her problems were missed and this escalated into serious offending.  After a spell in prison, she became involved in our SOS Project which helps young offenders change their lives. Latisse is now involved in the Voices Project, funded by the Barrow Cadbury Trust's Transitions to Adulthood programme.

Latisse grew up in a large family with five brothers and sisters. She had a difficult start at school and recalls getting into a fight at the age of 10 with another girl. She became involved with a group of girls who use to bully other children and this escalated when she was arrested for burglary.  Due to her young age, no charges were brought against Latisse, which she now feels was a missed opportunity to address her behaviour.

This worsened when she went to secondary school and she became heavily involved in bullying, truancy, fighting and petty crime. Despite two temporary exclusions from school, she managed to achieve five GCSEs.  She was arrested once again - this time for selling cannabis and received a community order.

Latisse went on to attend college at 16 but was soon expelled due to poor attendance and anti-social behaviour.  She managed to obtain a job in a shop but was sacked after just four months on suspicion of theft.

She progressed to selling hard drugs but still had ambitions of turning her life around, returning to college to study IT.  However, she reverted back to her old behaviour and was expelled again.

In 2000, Latisse was arrested for drug related offences and received a three year custodial sentence. Her Probation Officer referred her to the SOS Project upon her release, feeling that she would benefit from support and mentoring.

During her time on the project, Latisse has really blossomed into a mature, supportive, articulate young woman. She has been involved in the Voices Project which has involved working as part of a team to produce a short film on the issues facing young people today. Latisse has naturally fitted into the role of facilitator, encouraging and enabling other young people to express their views.  This has been a key to the project's success.

Latisse has now applied to volunteer with St Giles Trust and would like to undertake advice and guidance work so she can help vulnerable people. She has made huge efforts to bring about real changes in her life and continues to do so. She has found a part-time job and is still closely involved with the Voices Project.