Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation from the People & Health Overview Committee.

To consider a report by the Head of Service, Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service.

The Corporate Director for Care and Protection introduced the Youth Justice Plan, which covers Dorset and BCP Council. The Head of the Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service outlined the plan for the multi-disciplinary service. The key indicators for the service were reducing first-time entrants, reducing reoffending, and minimising the use of custodial sentences.

Members asked questions of officers and discussed the report. The following points were raised:

·         There was an increase in the number of first-time entrants in the Dorset Council area, whereas a decrease in BCP Council in 2023-24. The average across the whole area was the same, however the increase was due to delays in the judicial process.

·         When a young person has 2 suspensions from school, there is a targeted youth offer. Speech and language therapy is available to children at risk of exclusion.

·         The budget for the service was from the youth justice grant. This grant was often received late which made long-term planning more difficult. Some funding was from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

·         There was a concern about young people entering the justice system due to drugs. If this happened, early intervention, such as a health approach, did not work. There could also be a restorative response, so offenders understand the point or views of the victim and community.

·         School exclusion and criminal behaviour had common causes. Two key priorities in the report were to do with education. There were also other plans such as the extra-familial harm strategy.

·         A young person being excluded can be a significant step, which can lead to criminal behaviour.

Proposed by Cllr Andy Todd, seconded by Cllr Carole Jones.

Decision:

That the committee endorse the Youth Justice Plan so that Cabinet can recommend approval to Full Council.