Oxfordshire youth justice service praised over work to tackle child criminal exploitation

A report published by the HM Inspectorate of Probation following an inspection in January rates the service, run by Oxfordshire County Council, as “good” overall.

Chief inspector of probation Justin Russell praised the “innovative” range of work being done to help children who had been victims or were at risk of exploitation through initiatives including clinics run by Oxfordshire police and specialist drug workers to identify children most at risk from county lines drug dealing.

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Inspectors also highlighted the use of creative arts to help children explore and tell their personal stories including a project involving a recording artist working with groups of children who had been groomed by drugs gangs. 

Inspectors spoke to a parent and child, who said the experience helped them to talk openly about what happened and why, the report states.

Russell said: “Staff are working hard to help those caught up in serious organised crime such as county lines drug-dealing networks, which often exploit children to transport drugs and money.

“Senior leaders made a strategic decision to focus on this issue and have invested resources accordingly. Effective arrangements are in place for the YJS, police and health services to share information, and this helps the management board to have a clear picture of offending across the county.

“We were impressed by the innovative work and the range of tactics used to disrupt this type of crime.”

Inspectors also noted that many aspects of core youth justice work are done well and said staff are good at assessing children’s strengths and the factors that could help them to turn away from offending. 

There is also an “excellent” focus on the victims of crime and restorative justice, the report states.

Inspectors described YJS staff as “knowledgeable, motivated and committed”, with a strong focus on achieving the best outcomes for children.

Russell added: “Oxfordshire YJS should be proud of many aspects of its work, including its innovative approach to tackling offending. We will be watching closely to see how the service continues to develop and there is potential for other youth offending services to look and learn from them too.”

Councillor Steve Harrod, cabinet member for children and family services, said: “We are committed to safeguarding every young person; I’m delighted that our efforts are being recognised.

“Encouraging children to open up and seek support is vital in reducing their sense of hopelessness and isolation, helping them to be aware of signs of exploitation and to stay clear of crime.

“We will continue to learn, to improve and innovate, working with our partners in a coordinated approach to protect vulnerable young people.”