Issue - meetings

HMI Probation led a Joint Inspection of Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service in September and October 2022. The inspection report was published on 17 January 2023. The overall rating of the service was Good. The report provides a thorough review of the work of the service, applying 13 inspection standards. 11 of the 13 standards were rated Good, one was rated Requires Improvement and one was rated Outstanding.

The Youth Justice Service Manager presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix ‘A’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

HMI Probation led a Joint Inspection of Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service in September and October 2022. The inspection report was published on 17 January 2023. The overall rating of the service was Good. The report provided a thorough review of the work of the service, applying 13 inspection standards. 11 of the 13 standards were rated Good, one was rated Requires Improvement and one was rated Outstanding.

The Committee discussed the report and comments were made, including:

• The Chair congratulated the Service Manager on the outcome noted that the ‘Good’ rating for a joint inspection was to date, the highest rating given, with Dorset scoring one of the highest outcomes possible
• A Committee Member congratulated everyone involved and acknowledged the praise of the speech and language therapists work which was detailed within the report.
• A Committee Member highlighted the work of the Child Exploitation Working Group and requested a recommendation be put forward that it continues after the elections.  ACTION – add to Child Exploitation Working Group Report to Committee.
• In response to a query regarding the ‘Requires Improvement’ rating for the out of court disposals assessment, the Committee was advised of the reasons why the Inspectors gave the rating and the work that was being done to improve in this area.
• In response to a query from an MYP that whilst recognising the ‘Good’ rating, enquired about the pursuit of the six recommendations detailed, the Committee was reassured that the action plan included all the suggested areas for improvement within the report and not just the recommendations. 
• In response to a query regarding recommendation six - to improve analysis and quality of assessment, the Committee was advised that Inspectors felt that the risk of harm components within the assessments could be more consistent and in depth and examples were provided.

The Chair summarised as follows:

• The Committee acknowledged the good result
• Acknowledged the Speech and Language therapists contribution
• Child Exploitation issues
• Assessment tool and how it could be improved
• Risk assessments.

RESOLVED that the Committee note the findings of the Inspection report, including the ‘Strengths’ and ‘Areas for Improvement’ identified and be assured that an action plan was in place with suitable monitoring to address the report’s recommendations.