‘Outstanding’ ratings for two youth offending services
Fiona Simpson
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Two local authorities have had their youth offending services (YOS) rated “outstanding” by inspectors.
Services in Brighton and Hove and North Tyneside achieved the top rating during inspections by HM Inspectorate of Probation carried out amid the third national Covid-19 lockdown.
Brighton and Hove was praised for the service’s collaborative work with inspectors “highlighting how board members, staff and partners work together to understand the complex issues and challenges facing YOS children”.
In a recently published report, youth justice workers were praised for their wide-ranging skills, knowledge and experience, particularly in developing trusting relationships with children and their families.
The council’s “outstanding” rating was achieved across all 12 inspection standards judged by the inspectorate including organisational delivery, management of children serving court sentences and children serving cautions or community sentences.
HM Inspectorate of Probation’s director of operations Marc Baker said: “Each child is treated as an individual at Brighton and Hove YOS – this is vital in helping children move away from offending. Victims are equally supported and there is strong emphasis on their role within rehabilitation. Youth justice staff understand how to manage children with complex needs, and tailor their skills accordingly – a desirable balance, promoting high-quality casework practice.”
Inspectors recommended that Brighton and Hove YOS improves the diversity of its staff and volunteers to match the children they supervise.
It should also review processes for referring children to mental health services to ensure the process is as direct as possible, they said.
North Tyneside’s youth justice service has also been graded “outstanding” by HMI Probation, with inspectors praising its management of children serving court sentences and children serving cautions or community sentences.
Inspectors outlined strong leadership at North Tyneside, noting the leadership team’s clear vision for their work, which is understood by both youth justice staff and board members.
All those associated with the running of the service were praised for their motivational attitudes.
Baker said: “Organisations that are well led and well managed are more likely to achieve their aims. In this case, North Tyneside is led by an inspirational management team that have realistic goals and champion the work of their staff. “Everyone we spoke to, and the cases we analysed, left us in no doubt this is a service of skilled and experienced people who are dedicated to their work.”
