Issue - meetings

This report sets out the Medway Youth Justice plan 2010-2011 for approval as part of the Council’s policy framework.

Discussion:

This report outlined the Medway Youth Justice Plan 2010/2011 which had been developed following the undertaking of a capacity and capability assessment and discussions and consultations with partner agencies. In addition, the report had been considered by the Children and Adults Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 12 July 2010 and Cabinet on 20 July 2010 in accordance with the Council’s policy framework rules.

It was noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment (DIA) had been carried out in May 2008 and reviewed as part of the capacity and capability assessment validation exercise. The screening form indicated that a full DIA was not required.

Councillor Wicks, supported by Councillor O’Brien, proposed the recommendation as set out in the report.

Decision:

The Council approved the Youth Justice Plan, as set out in appendix 1 to the report.

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.

This report seeks the committee’s views on the draft Youth Justice Plan, which will be forwarded to Cabinet and full Council. 

Discussion:

The Youth Offending Team (YOT) Manager gave a presentation setting out the context of the plan and the team’s main priorities for the forthcoming year.
Two extra papers were circulated to Members setting out the latest performance indicators (as stated in paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 of the report) together with information of the team’s achievements in 2009-2010 which had been judged as ‘good’ by the Youth Justice Board.

The committee asked whether contingency plans were being considered for any potential national financial proposals and changes to funding and/or legislation.

Officers responded that recent legislation had actually strengthened the YOT position. The new government seemed keen to move away from the current custodial model towards re-habilitation schemes and there might be the possibility of Local Authorities being given the budget to manage custody of offenders in the future. YOT funding came from a variety of sources and it was a realistic risk that the YOT would be expected to take a share of national cutbacks. The senior management of the team had already been re-organised and officers were now examining re-organisation possibilities for the next level of staff in the team.

Members asked that a glossary of terms was added to the document for ease of use.

Decision:

The committee agreed to recommend:

(a)       that a letter is sent by the Chairman on behalf of the committee recognising the good performance and hard work of the Youth Offending Team;

(b)       to Cabinet and full Council that the Youth Justice Plan 2010-2011 is adopted.