To endorse the Youth Justice Plan which is prepared on an annual basis on behalf of Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council

The Cabinet considered the Youth Justice Plan, a document prepared on an annual basis on behalf of Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council.  Members were advised that the plan had been prepared by the Youth Offending Service in line with the deadlines and strict guidance from the Youth Justice Board (YJB), which had this year, in partnership with the Youth Offending Services, developed a new outcome-focussed youth justice planning framework.  The self-assessment framework would identify risks and associated mitigative actions and would be assessed and validated by the YJB which would rate the service (1 [poor] – 4 [excellent]).  Members were informed that the score would inform inspection processes such as APA and Comprehensive Area Assessment.

The Leader acknowledged the multi agency approach taken to working with vulnerable people who required early intervention and support.  In discussion it was proposed that a Members seminar be arranged on this topic in order that Members (as part of their community leadership and corporate parent roles) were fully aware of the topic and appreciated its impact on performance and priorities.

It was noted that a number of Community Panel Members had served the maximum period of two three year terms and assurance was sought that these vacancies would attract a sufficient number of high calibre applicants.  Members were advised that the terms of office for Community Panel Members followed Home Office guidance and that no problems were anticipated in filling the vacancies with appropriate volunteers.

Clarification was sought as to the method by which budgets were allocated as the Youth Justice Plan covered the geographical area of both authorities.  Members were informed that the budget for the Youth Offending Team was funded by local partner agencies and that the budget was allocated according to the number of looked after children cases.

A Member in attendance queried the reason as to why there was no measurement of re-offending noted for 2007/08 and emphasised the need to ensure timely performance data.  Additionally the Member asked what action had been taken to get young offenders to put right the impact of their offending e.g graffiti.  In response, Members were advised that targets set by the Youth Justice Board sought to achieve percentage reductions on 2005/06 baseline figures.  Whilst there was an attempt to link youth offenders to recreational activities e.g cleaning graffiti, no information was to hand as to these figures across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

RESOLVED    that: the youth Justice Plan as prepared be endorsed and that it be recommended within the Policy Framework that the Plan be approved by Council at its meeting on 31 October.

It was further agreed that an all Member briefing be arranged on the work of the Youth Offending Team and the Youth Justice Plan, preferably prior to the 31 October 2008.