About ICAAN
Vision
Our vision at ICAAN is to help steer at-risk individuals and those already in the criminal justice system away from a life of crime. We do this by creating a safe space, free of judgement where they are treated without prejudice and provided a pathway for integration back into society. We envisage a space where people can tell their stories, in turn addressing offending and re-offending bringing about the reduction of incarceration.
Mission
The mission is to provide intervention at every stage of the criminal justice system from prevention to post-sentence. We will run programmes, initiatives, and campaigns that promote positive change, highlighting the benefits of reintegration back into society. We will explore their interests and work collaboratively to actualise their goals by creating a plan of action grounded in reality. We do this through our three-step approach: education, holistic support and independence. We believe that education is paramount for several reasons, including (but not limited to):
- Changing attitudes and breaking down misconceptions
- Tackling the increase in those entering the criminal justice systems
- Correcting public perception of the reality of the Criminal Justice System
- Raising awareness of the root causes of violence and the impact of this.
Our holistic support underpins our overall engagement and prioritises tracking progress. We want to provide meaningful change and measure this change – not only for us but for the individual and society too. Lastly, independence. This is where we can see evidenced changes over the course of our engagement – although they are now ‘independent’, we are still on hand to signpost them to supportive services should they need them.
We will advocate for those within the CJS or at risk of entering it and help dispel the incorrect and negative narratives that are often associated with a criminal conviction.
The ICAAN Values
Our values are at the crux of everything we embody at ICAAN.
Peace – To create a safe space and equip people to experience a peace which is often a contrast to the intrinsic disturbances they are all too accustomed to. We aim to bring about healing; a still and calm state of mind. Moreso, we want to equip them with the tools to cultivate peace outside of this space.
Integrity – In order to build trust, we have to be honest and do what we said we are going to do; Making promises we can keep. Embody support that will not intentionally let them down. Can lean on and rely on us.
Community-focused – Build communities and contribute to communities where everyone is positively impacted and everyone reaps the benefits irrespective of their current situations or past mistakes. To be able to support one another and truly know one another.
Educate – Criminal justice is everyone’s business. To educate young people, parents, professionals on the criminal justice system their rights and understanding of people within the system. To help people understand others and teach empathy for the nation to become more empathetic. Public protection, put the public in the shoes of the people they would never be able to.
Partnerships – To work alongside people, connecting communities with mutual goals and morals. To allow people to be who they are within the community and to shine. The freedom to be who you are irrespective of your current situations.
Esther Okeowo, Founder
Dear Reader,
My name is Esther Okeowo and I am the founder of ICAAN. I grew up on a North London council estate; known for its deprivation, crime, and ‘Gang’ culture amongst other stereotypes associated with inner London estates but also the nuances that can often be misunderstood, discarded, or mislabelled. I was, however, fortunate to have a strong support network to help me navigate the peaks and troughs of life. I am also all too aware that this was not something that was afforded to everyone around me.
My passion and driving force
It is through this very lens that I decided to explore Psychology and the UK Criminal Justice System, obtaining a degree in BSc Psychology (I wanted to be a Forensic Psychologist) from Brunel University. My interests were based around understanding the key factors that drive youth into crime and serious group offending but also understanding the stark realities of an individual’s involvement in crime. I also wanted to better understand the role of the justice system particularly in relation to intervention and rehabilitation.
On my journey, I’ve met a number of people who have contributed to the skills I have developed. Every one of them is unique in their own right and with a story that contributed to their current situation. With these individuals in mind, I ask myself regularly and now a question I pose to you, the reader, “How can there be an expectation for someone to change if we hold them to a label that represents their past mistakes and fail to create an environment that is conducive to change?”
Understanding the work ahead
Working with people affiliated with ‘gangs’ or ‘gang members’ that may have been involved in serious youth violence, children and females has taught me there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and although there are clear indicators of offending, each case must be taken on its own merit. As well as looking at the individual, we must look at the home structure, education system, and communities. Our approach encompasses:
Encouraging aspirations
Highlighting education paths, providing social mobility
Reaffirming self-worth
Driving positive, holistic change
I am keen to see and implement meaningful intervention and positive change stemming from a place of peace, purpose, and hope, as opposed to the tough punitive approach. I believe that this is paramount when dealing with what can only be described as a rampant illness when dealing with ‘gangs’ and serious youth violence. As well as the disturbing rise in the numbers of those currently incarcerated.
My various roles within the system, to date, have provided me with an unparalleled level of insight and understanding. I have worked in both custodial (Male and Female) and community settings with adults and young offenders carefully honing my skills in ‘Gangs’ and Serious Youth Violence as well as those serving long-term and indeterminate sentences. I have years of experience in conflict management and resolution along with mediation. I am a trained restorative justice facilitator and hope to further the advancement of this to open channels of communication between all those impacted by a crime, focusing on those serving long-term and indeterminate sentences. I am also experienced and dedicated to raising awareness about Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG).
In Summary
My journey thus far adds further credence to the fact that there is still a lot of work to do and I am committed to helping those currently serving sentences, and steering those most susceptible from entering the criminal justice system. As we look toward the future, I remain extremely engaged and passionate about affecting real, tangible change within the criminal justice system.
Feel free to get in touch and let’s connect.
Best wishes,
Esther Okeowo
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