Dudley must do more to support children and young people who have offended to learn, train and work

Lack of proper education provision in Dudley for young offenders is a serious issue that is not getting the attention it deserves and progress has been too slow, according to inspectors. 

HM Inspectorate of Probation conducted a routine inspection of Dudley Youth Offending Service (YOS), which works with 10 to 18-year-olds who have either been sentenced by a court or who are being dealt with outside the formal justice system. The Inspectorate looked at 12 aspects of the YOS’s work and has awarded an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’. 

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “All children and young people are entitled to access education, employment or training. This is particularly important for individuals who have offended because it can support them to move away from further crime and give them the key to a better future.

“Our inspection found education provision is poor for children known to the YOS, and it has not had the strategic attention that it merits. A high number of young people known to the YOS are not in education or training, and children are offending at times when they should be in school. Some staff have resorted to teaching children who have been excluded because there are no suitable alternatives.”

Inspectors found key information about the YOS’s performance – including in relation to education – was not shared effectively with the Management Board. As a result, Board members were unable to drive improvements in services for children and their families. 

Inspectors found staff at the YOS are well motivated and develop positive working relationships with children and young people. Staff take into account the views of those under supervision and their parents or carers. Work to help young people desist from further offending was found to be an area of strength.  

Inspectors also welcomed the YOS’s renewed focus on preventing children and young people from entering the criminal justice system.

Mr Russell said: “The YOS has some significant areas of good practice. However, we would like to see improvements in the quality of work to keep people safe. The YOS needs to assess, manage and review risks to keep children and young people safe and to prevent risk of harm to others.

“Dudley YOS has the potential to improve its performance and secure a ‘Good’ rating in the future. I hope the five recommendations in our report will assist the service to build on its strengths and focus on the areas for improvement.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. The report is available at www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 27 June 2019 00.01.

2. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales. 

3. Youth Offending Teams, which deliver youth offending services, supervise 10-18-year olds who have been sentenced by a court, or who have come to the attention of the police because of their offending behaviour but have not been charged and instead are dealt with out of court. 

4. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in April 2019.

5. Children in England can leave school at 16 but must stay in full-time education, start an apprenticeship or traineeship, or work or volunteer until they are 18 years old. More information about school leaving ages is available on Gov.uk. 

6. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications Catherine Chan on 07889 405930 or media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)