Issue - meetings

To present the Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26. There is a statutory requirement to publish an annual Youth Justice Plan which must provide specified information about the local provision of youth justice services. This report summarises the Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26, with a copy of the Plan appended. The Youth Justice Plan needs to be approved by the full Council.

The Youth Offending Service Team Manager presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

To present the Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26. There was a statutory requirement to publish an annual Youth Justice Plan which had to provide specified information about the local provision of youth justice services. This report summarised the Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26, with a copy of the Plan appended. The Youth Justice Plan needed to be approved by the full Council.

The Committee considered the update and made the following comments:

• The Committee commended the depth and quality of the Youth Justice Plan report and welcomed the significant reduction in first-time entrances to the youth justice system.
• In response to a query regarding the reduction, the Committee was advised that the reduction was largely due to strengthened partnerships with police, who now had greater confidence in referring young people for effective intervention.
• The Committee discussed the overrepresentation of children in care within the justice system. Officers confirmed this was a national issue and outlined ongoing work to ensure joined-up planning and early intervention for these young people.
• The Committee was informed that an annual audit was underway, focusing specifically on children in care, to ensure coherence and effectiveness in support planning.
• In response to a question about diversion options, the Committee was advised that a range of outcomes existed and that further information could be provided in writing due to the complexity of the topic. ACTION
• The Committee praised the integration of the child’s voice throughout the service and highlighted the importance of adapting communication methods to suit individual needs. Officers confirmed that all referred children were assessed by a speech and language therapist and issued a communication passport.
• In response to a query raised regarding mental health support, the Committee was advised that the service included a dedicated health team comprising clinical psychologists and mental health nurses, enabling timely assessments and support.
• The Committee was informed that the Discover U project had previously received lottery funding and that efforts were ongoing to secure continued financial support.
• The Committee expressed strong support for the project and suggested that similar initiatives should be made available to young people before they enter the justice system.
• The Committee advised of the importance of early intervention and the role of schools and social care in preventing youth offending.
• In response to a query raised regarding the development of a data dashboard to better visualise and monitor youth justice data, the Committee was advised that it was being explored.

RESOLVED that the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee endorse the Youth Justice Plan so that Cabinet can recommend its approval to the Full Council.