An organisation in the South East is making “slow and determined” efforts to improve its work with children who have offended, according to inspectors.

HM Inspectorate of Probation conducted a routine inspection of Medway Youth Offending Team (YOT) in March. Inspectors looked at 12 aspects of their work and gave an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’.

The inspection took place after the YOT had emerged from a period of uncertainty. The local authority explored outsourcing the service, which works with 10 to 18-year-olds, but ultimately decided against the move.

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “Last year, Medway YOT supervised more than 100 children who had been sentenced by the courts, as well as children who were being dealt with outside the formal system.

“The rise in local violent youth offending, gang-based drug dealing and incidents involving weapons has made the YOT’s work more complex. Its leaders are making more persistent efforts to rebuild the service to support children’s specific needs.”

Inspectors found senior managers drive the direction of the YOS, and are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children.

Likewise, frontline staff work well with children to understand their behaviour and aspirations for the future. They encourage children to engage in their work with the YOT.

Inspectors reported the YOT has a creditable focus on victims of crime. Reparation is used well to benefit victims, and help children appreciate the impact of their behaviour and develop their skills. For example, some children repaired bikes as part of a reparation project and donated the vehicles to victims.

Inspectors noted the YOT ensures children being dealt with outside the court system are provided with the same opportunities for support as those who receive court sentences.

However, the Inspectorate has found a number of areas for improvement.

Inspectors analysed a sample of cases and found the quality of work was too inconsistent. This was especially true for work involving girls – who make up 19 per cent of the caseload – and children at risk of exploitation. Inspectors were concerned about the safety and wellbeing of a small number of vulnerable children.

The Youth Justice Partnership Board, which oversees the work of the YOT, is “under-developed” and needs to step up.

Mr Russell said: “The Board is made up of representatives from key agencies that can support children to move away from offending. Unfortunately, the Board failed to show us that it understood the specific issues affecting these children and had a strategy to address their needs. The new Chair has made a positive start and must now seize the opportunity to coordinate efforts and drive improvements.

“The YOS has plans to appoint a data and intelligence officer, and this will help the Board to identify its strengths and areas for development. Building up a profile of children known to the YOT will help managers to commission the right support and ensure services are based on evidence.”

The Inspectorate has made five recommendations with the aim of improving Medway YOT’s work yet further.

ENDS

 

Notes to editor

1. The report is available at justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 04 June 2020 00.01.
2. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales.
3. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’. The Inspectorate rates specific aspects of each service and also gives an overall rating.
4. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in March 2020 (before the Covid-19 lockdown).
5. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications Catherine Chan on 07889 405930 or media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)