Published in honour of Dr Helen Hodges
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr Helen Hodges. Helen was an inspirational advocate for data‑driven research and a compassionate voice for some of the most marginalised young people in Wales. Helen passed away in January 2026 and is profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.
Helen’s contribution to the field of data science, particularly in relation to children in care and those involved in the youth justice system, was exceptional. She brought a deep intellectual curiosity to every project she undertook, paired with an unwavering commitment to ensuring that data and evidence were used to improve lives. Her work was guided not only by expertise, but by empathy, integrity, and heartfelt dedication to the young people whose experiences she sought to understand and illuminate.
Helen worked as a Research Officer and Data Scientist in Population Data Science at Swansea University and was also a valued member of the CASCADE Partnership at Cardiff University. She was a dedicated, thoughtful, and much-respected colleague whose work made a meaningful contribution to our research community. Helen’s professional journey was an inspiring one. She returned to academia in her 40s to pursue and complete her PhD, a testament to her determination, curiosity, and passion for learning.
Before her passing, Helen had substantially completed a new ADR Wales Data Insight as part of the BOLD (Better Outcomes through Linked Data) programme. In recognition of her commitment and her wish to see important evidence inform real‑world decision‑making, this article is being published posthumously. Only minor editorial adjustments have been made to prepare it for release.
Helen’s Data Insight explores, for the first time in Wales, the complex relationship between substance misuse needs and future offending among children within the formal youth justice system. Drawing on linked data from two Welsh youth justice services and substance misuse treatment agencies, the study sheds new light on the scale and nature of substance misuse among justice‑involved children.
The analysis found that cannabis and alcohol were the most commonly identified problematic substances among under‑18s, with many young people experiencing difficulties with multiple substances. While Class A drug use was rare (reflecting patterns typically associated with adult offending) almost a third of the cohort were using other drugs including ecstasy and ketamine. Despite public concern around newer synthetic substances, there was little evidence of use of substances such as spice, solvents, or inhalants like nitrous oxide.
The study highlights the crucial role of youth justice services in identifying and responding to substance misuse issues. The youth justice system was the most common source of first referral to treatment, with around 80% of referrals being made after a young person had been assessed by a practitioner. A smaller number were already receiving support from treatment providers prior to the index offence.
Helen’s analysis found that children referred for treatment tended to have significantly higher initial risk scores, particularly in areas relating to their living arrangements, recent household composition, and aspects of lifestyle. Many were navigating challenges such as unstable accommodation, risky peer associations, or limited personal income – circumstances consistent with the more chaotic environments often experienced by young people facing problematic substance use.
Crucially, the study found that young people referred to treatment were nearly five times more likely to go on to commit further offences. Those referred after their index risk assessment were also more likely to breach their sentence, be held on remand, or spend time in custody. This does not suggest that treatment leads to poorer outcomes; rather, it reflects the complex and overlapping needs of young people whose substance misuse difficulties are often part of a wider picture of vulnerability.
Helen’s work continues to influence policy, practice, and research across Wales and beyond. Her commitment to uncovering meaningful insights, her generous spirit, and her passion for improving the lives of young people remain an inspiration.
We are honoured to publish this work as a lasting tribute to her contribution. Her legacy lives on in the evidence she produced, the colleagues she inspired, and the many children and families who will benefit indirectly from the knowledge she helped generate.