Agenda and draft minutes

There were Apologies received from Cllr Mushtaq.

There were no public Questions.

The Minutes of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Board held on 18^th June 2024 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th June 2024 be approved as a correct record.

The Youth Justice Service Plan Report was presented by Louise Patterson (Head of Service) and Paul Axon from Positive Steps.

Paul Axon Provided Committee Members with background information on what services are offered by Positive Steps, Members were informed that Positive Steps had been a commissioned service for the last 14 years, providing support and safeguarding to children who have entered the Youth Justice System

Committee Members noted that many children who enter the Youth Justice System are themselves victims of crime, with Positive Steps working with a majority of children they come across who have complex set of needs.

The Head of Service, presented to the committee the Oldham Youth Justice Service Plan 2024-25, and opened the floor to questioning on this plan to Committee Members.

In response to questions by Members on how a Child’s voice would be reflected in the services, the Head of Service stated that a participation worker gathers thoughts and feelings through the use of questionnaires answered by the child, as well as questionnaires and feedback from parent’s and carers to get a more balanced view.

Members of the Committee asked questions about re-offending rates being informed that 4.5% was the re-offending rate. The Head of Service noted that there was a cross industry work between Positive Steps and Schools that helped employed preventative measures to reduce the risk of reoffending.

In response to questions by Members about Positive Steps catering to the additional needs of the children who they may be supporting, it was confirmed by the Head of Service that there had been a Speech and Language specialist due to start secondment in August 2024. In addition, it was confirmed that there was an individual plan put in place for all the children who enter the service, to address any needs there may be.

Members asked questions concerning Mental Health Support, being informed by the Head of Service that whilst there will never be enough support for Mental Health Services, Positive Steps had undertaken considerable work in this area including the hiring of a CAHMS practiser, who will be a full-time worker, advising and supporting the team. In addition, it was also noted that a wellbeing coach has also been employed within the Service.

Members noted that Positive Steps was a trauma informed Service, which had conducted staff training around the impact of trauma on children, as well as cultural appreciation training around racial trauma.

In response to questions about whether or not the service had a high turnover of staff, it was noted by the Head of Service that Positive Steps had a stable staff force. There was currently a recruitment drive underway, with the service having a positive reputation.

The Head of Service informed Members of the Committee, that normally children enter the service through being charged with a crime by the Crown Prosecution Services, others enter the service by coming into contact with the police and court referrals.

In response to questions about the financing of the Speech and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

RESOLVED: that Members noted the Key Decision Document.

To consider any rule 13 or 14 decisions taken since the previous meeting.

There was no Rule 13 and 14.

No work Porgramme received.