Hounslow receives scathing youth offending report

The report by Liz Calderbank, the chief inspector for probation, found the service’s performance was below the England and Wales average in all three core areas it assessed.

In terms of keeping young offenders safe, work was carried out well just 51 per cent of the time, compared to an average of 68 per cent.

Reoffending work was carried out well only 66 per cent of the time. The average in this category across England and Wales is 71 per cent.

The poorest performing area was ensuring the public is kept safe. This was carried out well just 47 per cent of the time, 16 per cent below the average.

Calderbank was particularly critical of the management of the team. She said: "Performance to manage the risk of harm to others and to address safeguarding needs requires substantial improvement. In particular, the approach of the YOS to ensuring effective managerial oversight of these critical aspects of practice needed immediate attention."

However, she added that despite the findings being "disappointing" she was impressed with the "creative" work to reduce reoffending. Team members were praised for being able to identify positive aspects of young offenders’ lives and using this to address their behaviour.

Councillor Lily Bath, Hounslow’s cabinet member for children, youth and families, said: "We have already implemented an action plan prior to the assessment results being published to ensure our youth offending service sees prompt improvement.