Released: 7 July 2007
Wolverhampton’s Youth Offending Team has received an overall “good” assessment from HMI Probation which has conducted an inspection into the service.
Conducted just prior to, and forming part of, the Joint Area Review of Services for Children and Young People, the YOT inspection was included in the overall “good” rating for the JAR and the “outstanding” judgment made with regard to the work of all local services in helping children and young people contribute to society.
HM Chief Inspector of Probation, Andrew Bridges, says in the report that “there was a positive ethos within the Youth Offending Team, with strong operational management and an enthusiastic and committed staff group”.
He noted that victim and restorative justice work had been developed, and praised partnership and preventative work, saying: “Partnership work was well established, with sound formal and informal links and a vibrant range of interventions.
“Preventative work provided a positive and focused service for children and young people who were at risk of offending”, he added.
Work on detention and training orders was assessed as good and the positive working relationships between YOT staff and the Young Offenders Institutions was praised.
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Paula Brookfield, welcomed the inspection report and praised the hard work and dedication of all staff working in, and with, the Youth Offending Team.
“I am pleased that the inspection has recognised that the YOT is well managed operationally and acknowledges the broad range of services for children and young people in Wolverhampton”, said Councillor Brookfield.
“It is also important that the report notes the YOT’s positive working relationships with courts and the strength of preventative work where good and innovative work is apparent.
“It is particularly welcome to see that health provision was said to be positive and that close professional relationships exist between YOT staff and those partners and agencies delivering health care”, she added.
The YOT inspection covered five core areas of work: management, including the role and functioning of the local Board; work in courts; work with children and young people in the community; work with children and young people subject to detention and training orders; victims and restorative justice.
The YOT, in conjunction with its partner agencies, will be preparing an improvement plan to address areas highlighted in the assessment where there is still work required to strengthen key areas, such as strategic management arrangements; consistency in the quality of reports, milestones in plans and reviews; education and accommodation provision; and access to reparation placements.
To download the inspection report of Wolverhampton's Youth Offending Team, click on the PDF icon below:
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Issued by the press office.