Managers of youth offending teams (YOTs) are left too frequently to "determine their own pace and direction for themselves" because of poor leadership, a new report from HM Inspectorate of Probation says.

Only in a very few areas does a council's chief executive chair the team, the report inspections has concluded. Too often the task is devolved to a head of children's services, who frequently line manages the YOT manager.

Health and education agencies are also failing to second appropriately qualified and experienced staff to work on youth offending teams, the report said.

- www.homeoffice.gov.uk.