Decision details

This report will seek Cabinet’s views on the draft Youth Justice Plan following initial consideration at the Children and Adults Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 12 July 2010. The Plan will be referred to Council on 29 July 2010 for approval as part of the policy framework. 

This report outlined the Medway Youth Justice Plan 2010 – 2011, which detailed the following key objectives for the Medway Youth Offending Team (YOT) to March 2011:

·        Reduce and prevent first time entrants into the Youth Justice System

·        Reduce the use of custody as a sentencing outcome

·        Ensure that YOT clients have access to both universal and specialist services

·        Reduce the rate and severity of re-offending by those already subject to court orders

·        Effectively manage risk, vulnerability and safeguarding issues within the YOT cohort

·        Support partnership agencies in achieving their strategic objectives

·        Work towards achieving the Every Child matters outcomes for all YOT clients

·        Ensure that the YOT can continue to deliver quality services within a climate of uncertain public finances.

The Youth Justice Plan had been developed following a capacity and capability self assessment and discussions and consultations with partner agencies. It was also designed to address the following key areas: resourcing and value for money; structure and governance; partnership arrangements; and risks to future delivery. Areas for development and improvement had been incorporated into the plan.

As a policy framework document the Youth Justice Plan would be referred to Council on 29 July 2010 for approval.

It was noted that a diversity impact assessment had been carried out in May 2008 and reviewed as part of the capacity and capability assessment validation exercise. The screening form, attached to the report, indicated that a full diversity impact assessment was not required.

The Children and Adults Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the Youth Justice Plan on 12 July 2010 and details of their consideration and recommendations were set out in an addendum report.