The specialist service that works with children and young people involved in the criminal justice system across South Tees has been given a clean bill of health.
The overall rating of ‘good’ for the South Tees Youth Justice Service (YJS) followed an in-depth inspection last month.
The South Tees YJS was the first in the country to receive a new two-week inspection covering leadership, partnership working, case work and work with victims.
The inspectors from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) found a culture promoting care, reflection and continuous learning, with management and leadership described as ‘inspirational’.
They highlighted instances of ‘high quality’ work to help young people achieve positive change, with plans in place to make improvements.
They also found the service was working quickly to develop its engagement with victims, although improvement is required in this area.
The South Tees YJS was rated ‘good’ overall, and ‘good’ in five out of seven areas.
Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Education & Culture, said: “The work we and our partners do with children involved in the criminal justice system could not be more important, and it’s essential that we get it right.
“These are critical moments in young people’s lives, and ones that can have a lasting impact on their life chances.
“This report makes for hugely encouraging reading, not least because the inspection took place at a time of significant change and increased workloads.
“Despite those challenges, the findings by HMIP are overwhelmingly positive and are a clear indication that the service is well run and making a real difference.
“I’d like to thank the Youth Justice Team for the work they do day in, day out to change lives, and I’m delighted that has been acknowledged by the inspectors.
“There can never be any room for complacency, but this is a really solid foundation on which we can build for the future.”
Councillor Carrie Richardson, Deputy Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This positive report is a recognition of highly dedicated officers who work hard in what is often very challenging work.
“These officers are committed to justice but also getting the lives of often troubled children and young people on the right track.
“I have no doubt that no-one involved in the service will be resting on their laurels but will, today like every day, be working to improve the service still further and have a positive impact on individual lives and the wider community for decades to come.”
Chief Inspector of Probation Martin Jones said: “What we found at South Tees YJS was encouraging, and I believe the recommendations made in this report will enable the Service to build on its existing strengths and make the important improvements needed.”
