Inspectors have praised a Greater Manchester organisation for its focus on child welfare.

HM Inspectorate of Probation conducted a routine inspection of Bury and Rochdale Youth Justice Service (YJS) in March. The service works with 10 to 18-year-olds who are serving court sentences, or who have received conditional cautions or community resolutions.

The Inspectorate looked at 12 aspects of the YJS’s work and awarded an overall rating of ‘Good’.

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “We were impressed by senior leaders, managers and staff at this service.

“The Management Board is jointly led by senior representatives from Bury and Rochdale local authorities. This arrangement works well and ensures the Management Board keeps the needs of children at the heart of the service.

“Managers and staff are skilled and experienced, and they are passionate about their work. They are committed to supporting children who often come from difficult backgrounds to move away from offending.”

Inspectors found “consistently high quality” work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children known to the YJS. Inspectors looked at a sample of cases and found staff were adept at analysing factors that could contribute to offending such as a child’s susceptibility to gangs or peer pressure. Crucially, staff took steps to manage these risks such as liaising with the police and children’s services.

Inspectors found the YJS has also developed very strong partnerships with local agencies.

Mr Russell said: “Many children known to the YJS have complex needs. Six in 10 children have substance misuse issues, and many have educational and mental health needs.

“The YJS works closely with partners to ensure children access relevant support. This will, in turn, help them to move away from crime.”

However, the Inspectorate concluded the YJS should pay greater attention to public protection.

Inspectors looked at a sample of cases involving children who had received court sentences.

In 40 per cent of assessments, staff had underestimated the level of risk that the child could pose to the public. Staff had categorised children as presenting a low, rather than a medium-level, of risk.

In 50 per cent of case reviews – which should monitor progress and identify potential new risks – inspectors found staff did not focus sufficiently on keeping other people safe.

The Inspectorate has made six recommendations with the aim of improving Bury and Rochdale YJS yet further.

ENDS

 

Notes to editor

1. The report is available at justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 09 June 2020 00.01.
2. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales.
3. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’. The Inspectorate rates specific aspects of each service and also gives an overall rating.
4. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in March 2020 (before the Covid-19 lockdown).
5. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications Catherine Chan on 07889 405930 or media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)