Lancashire Youth Offending Team (YOT) is making positive progress following a major restructure, according to inspectors.

The YOT is based in Lancashire County Council and is one of the largest in the country. Staff supervise 10 to 18-year-olds – some are serving court sentences, while others have not been charged and have been given conditional cautions or community resolutions instead.

The Inspectorate has given Lancashire YOT an overall rating of ‘Good’. Inspectors were joined by colleagues from the police, health, social care, and education sectors for the inspection.

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “Lancashire YOT is on an improving trend and has some significant strengths, particularly in relation to the young people dealt with outside the courts system.

“A major restructure has affected staff, but they are motivated and optimistic that things will improve as new ways of working are embedded. We could see, even at an early stage, the impact that new roles, such as a dedicated education lead, were having on driving improvements in specific areas.”

However, Mr Russell noted the restructure had also had unintended consequences: “Staff are working across a large geographical area and they have reported that this is a significant challenge. Staff are spending more time travelling, and this affects their capacity to deliver high-quality services to children and young people.

“Senior managers need to fully understand and address the challenges experienced by staff if they are to achieve their aim of creating a high-performing and resilient service.”

Inspectors were impressed with the YOT’s work with children and young people outside the formal court system. Three out of four inspected aspects of this work were rated ‘Outstanding’ – the highest mark.

Mr Russell said: “We found YOT staff developed effective working relationships with children and young people, and their families. They identify why the child or young person offended and the factors that could help them to move away from further offending.

“In one example, we found partner agencies worked well together to help a young person realise the dangers and consequences of carrying knives. The young person and his mother were involved throughout the process, and the young person received help with his mental health and education needs.”

Inspectors also recognised the efforts of Lancashire Police’s early action teams. The teams – made up of police officers and police staff – help to address problems in the community, such as anti-social behaviour. Children who are at risk of getting involved in crime are often referred to the team for preventative work.

Inspectors found improvements are needed in some areas. The Management Board has appointed a new Chair – after a 12-month gap – who will provide more consistent leadership. The Chair will ensure partners, such as children’s social services and health services, attend meetings more regularly and contribute to improving the YOT’s performance.

The Inspectorate would also like to see more effective work with children and young people subject to court orders. Inspectors found safeguarding concerns were not always responded to swiftly enough to ensure the wellbeing of children and young people. Risk management was also undermined by a lack of attention to the protection of actual and potential victims.

The Inspectorate has made six recommendations, with the aim of improving Lancashire YOT’s performance.

ENDS

Notes to editor
1. The report is available at www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 25 July 2019 00.01.
2. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales.
3. Youth Offending Teams, which deliver youth offending services, supervise 10-18-year olds who have been sentenced by a court, or who have come to the attention of the police because of their offending behaviour but have not been charged and instead are dealt with out of court.
4. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in April and May 2019.
5. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications Catherine Chan on 07889 405930 or media@hmiprobation.gov.uk