Issue - meetings

This report outlines the Medway Youth Justice Plan Refresh 2014-2016 for consideration and approval.

Discussion:

This report outlined the Medway Youth Justice Plan Refresh 2014-2016, which had been reviewed and had taken into account achievements and modifications. The report had also been considered by the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 22 September 2015 and Cabinet on 29 September 2015. A Diversity Impact Assessment was included at Appendix B to the report.

The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Councillor O’Brien, supported by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services, Councillor Mackness, proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

Decision:

The Council approved the Youth Justice Plan, as set out at Appendix A to the report.

Background:

This report outlined the Medway Youth Justice Plan Refresh 2014-2016, which was attached at Appendix A to the report.

The Youth Justice Plan, which was updated annually, formed part of the Council’s policy framework and had been developed following discussions with partner agencies. It set out the aims and objectives for 2014/2016 in relation to working with young people who offend or who were at risk of offending.

The Plan had been reviewed, taking into account achievements and modifications to the delivery plan and updated data sets to provide appropriate context. Details of the significant changes that had been made as part of the refresh process were set out in Appendix C to the report.

It was noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken and this was attached at Appendix B to the report.

It was noted that the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the Medway Youth Justice Plan Refresh 2014-2016 on 22 September 2015. The Committee had recommended to Cabinet that the Youth Justice Plan Refresh 2014-16 be referred to Council for approval. Details of the Committee’s consideration were set out within Supplementary Agenda No.1.

Reasons:

The Youth Justice Plan ensures that Medway Council and other agencies have effective strategies for addressing youth offending behaviour and delivers outcomes that have positive benefits for our communities.

The updated Medway Youth Justice Plan has been reviewed by the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee and been the subject of consultation with key partners. The adoption of the updated plan seeks to address the underlying local causes of youth crime.