Agenda item

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 Language therapist, it was confirmed by the Head of Service that a mixture of different avenues funds the occupational role, which included the Integrated Care Board (ICB), Health Trusts and different community-based projects.

The Head of Service confirmed that there was an engagement worker is tasked with community outreach programmes, as well as multi agency collaborate with the Community Safety Partnership, on how to best support the needs of a community.

The Head of Service informed Members of the Committee about “outcome 22”, explaining that this was another option for the police in tackling crime and disorder. Outcome 22 was defined as an order that is known as out of court disposals. The Police can decide the severity of the offence and if outcome 22 could be best utilised as a learning opportunity.

The Head of Service confirmed that Positive Steps does work with different faith forums.

The Head of Service confirmed to Committee Members, that Positive Steps does work with children over 18, to orders that may have been placed on them. It was also noted that long term orders which would carry over the age of 18, would be overseen by a specialist probation team.

It was confirmed that Positive Steps was a referral-based process, which was accessible to anybody, including schools and prevention services.

In response to questions concerning the restorative justice as outlined in the report, it was confirmed that due to the re-classification of an offence, police terminology could determine if people are no longer deemed a victim.

The Head of Service outlined the Service Plan Report, discussing the need for children to be included in Plans, with the target writing assessment notes in a child friendly way. In addition, the Youth Justice filles are to be easily accessible and aged appropriate for children who view them.

The Head of Service outlined the wish to have a trauma informed practitioner ain Positive Steps, to ensure that there would be education and support systems in place, so children do not go on to reoffend.

The Chief Executive Officer informed the Committee that there had been an establishment of a child led panel to interview prospects for a new Director role.

RESOLVED: that the Scrutiny Board noted the Youth Justice Service Plan 2024-2025.