HM Inspectorate of Probation has published a new thematic report, focusing on the quality of services delivered to young people in the Probation Service.

In 2022, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) implemented the Young Adults Policy Framework. This recognised the distinctive circumstances of young adults in the criminal justice system and the need for a more tailored response.

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, said “The current system recognises the unique position young people are in, and the need for a more tailored service – but putting this into practice is proving challenging for the Probation Service. To embed the framework into practice, improved governance structures with clear lines of accountability need to be established and sufficient resources need to be allocated.”

Young adults in the criminal justice system face unique challenges, including higher rates of serious mental health conditions, neurodiversity, and trauma; and it cannot be assumed that generic probation services will adequately meet their needs. This inspection marks the Inspectorate’s first evaluation of services for young adults as a distinct group and focuses on the quality of work delivered by the Probation Service.

The thematic inspection found staff and managers had not received sufficient training to implement aspects of the framework, such as completing maturity assessments; and whilst some resources have been made available, staff are not always aware of them or lack the confidence to use them in their practice.

In over two-thirds of the cases inspected, no checks were made with the youth justice service (YJS) to enquire if they had worked with the young adult in recent years. This is significant, given that of the randomly selected cases for this inspection, 54 per cent had previous experience within the youth justice system. Inspectors found important questions are not always being asked, undermining the quality of work delivered.

Martin Jones added “Many of the probation practitioners we met during this inspection were committed and enthusiastic about working with this age group. With adequate staffing, training, and support more young people will get the support they need to live crime-free lives.”

The report makes 11 recommendations to HMPPS, including to develop and resource a national strategy for service delivery to young adults, and to establish an age-specific data set to assess young adults’ needs. The report also makes one recommendation to regional probation directors and PDU heads to provide focused, reflective support for staff, supporting a more trauma-informed approach to working with young adults.

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales.
2. This inspection did not review YJS case files or inspect the quality of YJS transition work. The report does not inspect or comment on the quality of work undertaken with young adults in custody.
3. This thematic report will be published on our website on 09 September 2024
4. Fieldwork for this inspection took place between January and March 2024.
5. The report examined the quality of work delivered by probation delivery units (PDUs) in Bury and Rochdale; Newham; Liverpool; Gloucestershire; Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland; and Hull and East Riding. Areas were selected primarily because of the numbers of young adults on their caseload.
6. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications: media@hmiprobation.gov.uk