GUILDLINES are set to be launched to reduce the number of children in Worcestershire's residential care system committing crimes.

The new document, which provides guidelines for care home staff to follow when trouble occurs, have been devised to try to resolve conflicts without having to resort to introducing youths into the criminal justice system.

The partners behind the initiative, to be officially launched in Worcestershire at the end of January, are the Youth Offending Service, Crown Prosecution Service, West Mercia Constabulary and Children's Services.

It involves training staff in homes to use restorative practices' to resolve problems, such as dialogue between the offender and the victim or the youth writing a letter of apology, rather than the police being called.

Fiona Allen, restorative justice officer for Worcestershire and Herefordshire Youth Offending Service, said: "It's a significant problem. Children and young people in the looked after' system are among the most vulnerable in our society, with complex needs and challenging behaviours, struggling to come to terms with adolescence, yet without the protection afforded by family life at home.

"Young people in residential care are at particular risk of crime and anti-social behaviour and can be criminalised for comparatively minor incidents such as breaking a window that would not typically be reported to the police in a family setting.

"The process involves either direct or indirect dialogue between all those affected when things have gone wrong and allows them to work towards solutions. The person harmed feels listened to and more able to come to terms with what has happened and the person causing harm can begin to understand what they have done and take responsibility for it.

"While formal sanctions such as police involvement may still be necessary, many participants find the process of facing up to the person and the harm they have caused, far more difficult than being arrested and charged."

Miss Allen said the group started to implement the guidelines in November 2007, with staff training already taking place in some of Worcestershire's homes.

"It's very much about enhancing and developing their current skills rather than introducing something new," she said.

The guidelines will be officially signed in Worcester on Monday, January 28.