Agenda item

Report CEF20035

The report provided an update on the work of Bromley Youth Offending Service (YOS) since January 2020, including the management of the service during the pandemic and the performance and other work of the service. 

The Head of the Youth Offending Service introduced the report highlighting that throughout the Covid pandemic service delivery had been maintained from the Office as well as exploration of different virtual platforms for conducting supervision with young people.  There was evidence of stronger engagement through these digital platforms.  The Service had conducted a survey of young people to get a sense of their experiences and overwhelmingly young people had reported that they liked engaging with the virtual meetings with safety featuring highly as a reason for this.  Members noted that there had also been a good level of engagement with parents and good performance had been maintained.

Reoffending rates were low although this was a volatile measure and changes were likely when data was next reported.  Members noted that young people could reoffend for a variety of reasons.  The number of children in custody had increased significantly although Members were reminded that the percentage increases were skewed by the small numbers involved.

The Committee noted that the Service had published a three-year Youth Justice Strategy which set out the ambition for children and young people.  The Service was working to the Youth Justice Board Guidance around ‘child first, offender second’.  The strong focus on practice had continued and the workforce had been stable and committed over the last 12 months.  Members noted that an inspection of the Youth Offending Service was expected, and staff were working hard to deliver a positive outcome.

In response to a question, the Head of the YOS explained that the category for ‘Violent Offences’ was very wide and included minor assaults as well as very serious assaults.  Members noted that the Service had seen an increase in some very serious offences committed by young people not previously known to children’s social care with the pandemic also having an impact.  There were delays coming through the system and often the YOS was not provided with information until children and young people were in court.

The Committee noted that there were currently 13 children looked after within the YOS.  As well as having an allocated social worker the young person was also given a YOS social worker and joint meetings were held in an effort to holistically work with the young person.

In relation to safeguarding, emotional welling and gang affiliation, the Head of the YOS reported that issues were tracked and monitored through the MEGA (Multi Agency Exploitation and Gang Affiliation) Panel with lots of good work being undertaken.  Members noted that the YOS was proud of the Health Team in place (including a clinical psychologist, school nurse and speech and language therapy) who worked with children and young people, particularly those who had experienced trauma.  In addition, the wider CAMHS delivered through Bromley Wellbeing could also support children and young people where necessary.

RESOLVED: That the Portfolio Holder be recommended to endorse the Annual Report.