Agenda item

The Head of Service of Slough Youth Offending Team introduced a report that updated on developments within the YOT and wider youth justice arena since the last report to the Panel in October 2018.  The report set out the performance, challenges and successes during this period.

YOT reported its performance locally to the YOT Management Board and also submitted reports on key indicators for comparison with sub-regional, regional and national areas.  A summary of performance was set out in Table 3 in the Appendix to the report and it was noted that there had been a slight reduction in the number of first time entrants to the youth justice system aged 10-17 from 58 to 57.  This figure was better than the local target of 62 entrants in 2018/19.  The number of custody offences had fallen by half from the previous year.  Slough’s figure was higher than the regional average but below national trends.  Re-offending had also fallen to 12.9% which was significantly better than the local target of 25.8% or less for 2018/19.  The Youth Justice Board had confirmed that the Youth Justice Plan submitted in August 2019 complied with the relevant requirements and the work being done in Slough was praised in a number of areas.

(Councillor Sarfraz left the meeting)

The main challenges were summarised and included the involvement of young people in the movement of drugs and serious youth violence.  The YOT was working closely with partners including the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit and the Serious Youth Violence Task Force.  Table 1 to the report set out the top 10 offices in the year to June 2019 and 23% of such offences were violence against the person.  The Panel discussed the actions being taken to prevent violent crime and were assured that it was a top priority.  Members highlighted the importance of ensuring there was effective support for the wider family as this was often key to changing patterns of behaviour.  The Officer commented that the support would vary depending on the circumstances in each case and sometimes the willingness of families to accept support.

In terms of the offenders themselves, YOT worked with youth services and others to try to get the right support to individuals which could include substance misuse and mental health issues.  One way to improve life chances was through employment and training opportunities.  A Member asked whether the Council’s apprenticeship programme specifically provided opportunities for youth offenders.  It was agreed to provide further information on this issue.

At the conclusion of the discussion the report was noted.

Resolved –  That the report be noted.