An update will be provided by Betty McDonald—LBB Head of Youth Offending Service.
Minutes:
The update was provided by Betty McDonald—(Head of Youth Support and Youth Offending Services).
1. Reducing first time entrants
The number of first time entrants entering the criminal justice system was tracked by the YOS for an annual period. The latest figures available were for the 12 month period—October 2016 to September 2017. Eighty Eight young people became first time entrants during Oct 2016 to Sep 2017. This was a 29.4% increase in the rate of first time entrants compared with previous year. An increase in knife related crime had contributed towards the increasing numbers of first time entrants, as knife related crimes are not eligible for triage. A triage intervention diverted a young person away from entering the criminal justice system and offered the young person a chance to engage in a voluntary intervention with YOS without going through the whole court process. Bromley’s rate of first time entrants was 26% lower than the average for London and 4% lower than the national average.
2. Reoffending
The YOS tracked a cohort of offenders who received a pre-court, or a court disposal or who were released from custody in a 12 month period. The latest figures available were for a 12 month period between April 2015 to March 2016. One hundred and ninety seven young people were sentenced between April 2015 and March 2016.
This cohort had reduced significantly since April 2011 where Bromley experienced highs with over 310 young people being sentenced. There had been a 36% reduction over a 4 year period.
Of the 197 young people sentenced between April 2015 and March 2016, 96 (48.7%) reoffended within a 1 year tracking period, with some committing over 4 offences within a year.
3. Reducing the use of custody
The YOS tracked the number of young people sentenced to custody in an annual period. The latest figures available were for the 12 month period of January 2017 to December 2017. Good performance was typified by a low figure.
Eight young people were sentenced to custody Between January 2017 and December 2018. Two young people had been sentenced to custody more than once throughout the year resulting in 11 custodial sentences. This was a 21% reduction on the same period last year (Jan 16 – Dec 16) and 30% below the London average. This performance was also 1% below the national average for custodial sentences.
Those sentenced to custody had committed drug related offences, joint burglaries and violence--causing severe injuries towards the victim. All 8 were assessed as medium to high risk and 6 would be supported by the YOS throughout their sentence. The longest serving sentence was for murder and this young person had been detained under her majesty's pleasure.
Ms McDonald stated that the YOS were in the process of making applications to the Young London Fund.
Ms Baldwin enquired if there was going to be a review undertaken with respect to a possible emerging gang problem, and if there was going to be a review, who would be undertaking it.
Ms McDonald responded that on 11th July, there would be a local MOPAC review. This was funded by the Home Office. Practioners would be spoken to and consulted. The idea was that MOPAC would provide help and support as required.
Mr Gooding, responding to the discussion relating to young offenders, felt that a course should be developed specifically for that cohort.
RESOLVED that the YOS update be noted.