Bridgend Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’ following an inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “Bridgend YJS is a service in transition and since our last inspection has seen some real improvement. Staff at the YJS have a passion for their work and are making every effort to deter children from crime and protect the local community. But they still face some significant challenges. I am concerned, in particular, by the lack of mental health support for children in Bridgend and local health services should address this urgently.”

Bridgend YJS was part of the former Western Bay youth justice service, which received an ‘Inadequate’ rating in 2018 and was later disbanded. Inspectors acknowledged that they remain subject to some of the legacy issues from this larger service, particularly around staff shortages, and the transition to new ways of working and management.

The inspection found particularly disappointing child mental health services (CAMHS), which were almost non-existent in some areas, with no specialist support for children who have been cared for by the local authority. Also, while the service is aware of child exploitation issues, they need to develop a better plan for addressing this jointly with their partners in other services.

Inspectors praised Bridgend’s use of the ‘Building Skills’ project where they had experienced success in providing children under their supervision, with workplace skills, as well as strengthening their sense of identity and improving their confidence and self-esteem.

The report makes six recommendations. Though rare, the Inspectorate has called upon Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board to review the emotional, mental health, and wellbeing provision for care-experienced children and those known to the YJS and ensure that their specific health needs are being met.

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. Bridgend YJS work with children aged 10 to 17. The majority of children under their supervision are aged 15 to 17 (81%), male (82%) and white (100%). The YJS supervise children with complex needs and some in the care of the local authority.
2. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’, rating specific aspects of each service and giving an overall rating.
3. The inspection looked at standards of organisational delivery (leadership, staffing and facilities), their management of children serving court sentences (court disposals) and children serving cautions or community sentences (out-of-court disposals).
4. The report is available on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on 14 June 2022 00.01.
5. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales.
6. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in February 2022.
7. For media enquiries, please contact Corporate Communications Manager Diane Bramall 07929 790 564 or media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)