Hull (Kingston upon Hull) Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Good’ following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation.

The service works with children aged 10 to 18. Most children under their supervision are aged 15 to 17 (73 per cent), male (87 per cent) and white (92 per cent). They supervise children with complex needs, and some are in the care of the local authority (Looked After Children).

The Inspectorate analyses three key areas: organisational delivery, the quality of the management of children on a court order (court disposals) and that of children subject to out-of-court disposals (serving cautions or community resolutions).

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell: “Hull YJS have achieved a great deal over the recent past and their success in improving the service was evident throughout the inspection. Specific areas of their work received an ‘Outstanding’ rating, such as their management with children on a court order. Though we have made recommendations for further improvements, they have much to be proud of.”

Inspectors identified areas where improvement is required – such as leadership and governance – but recognised that much of this was due to legacy issues. They noted that a new director of children’s services has been in place since December 2020, who reviewed and refreshed the management board, and is re-establishing key partnerships and raising the profile of Hull YJS.

Mr Russell added: “There have been new recruits at the right level of seniority and an investment made in ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities. Inconsistent attendance by Humberside Police has led to a lack of strategic oversight in monitoring the number of first-time entrants into the youth justice system, but this is being addressed.”

The inspection found that children at Hull YJS have access to a learning and skills facility, the Kastor Centre – inspectors were provided with a virtual tour, noting excellent facilities and support services. Hull YJS has also established links with specialist workers to meet the needs of children under supervision.

Mr Russell added: “The facilities available to children under Hull YJS supervision are outstanding. Staff take a caring and pragmatic approach and ensure there are opportunities for children to improve, learn and reduce the chances of them reoffending.”

The Inspectorate made a recommendation to Hull YJS to improve their management of high-risk cases and out-of-court disposals. There is also a recommendation, to Humberside Police, regarding their lack of attendance at strategic partnership meetings and to the Clinical Commissioning Group with regard to the provision of specialist services.

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. The report is available at justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 16 September 2021 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 June 2021.
5. For media enquiries, please contact Corporate Communications Manager Diane Bramall 07929 790 564 or media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)