Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Stockton-on-Tees Serious Youth Violence Strategy 2026-2031

2.

Record of the Decision

Members considered a Strategy that established a five-year partnership approach to preventing and reducing serious youth violence affecting people aged 10-24. It had been developed in response to the Serious Violence Duty and informed by local crime and safeguarding intelligence, a Rapid Health Needs Assessment, multi-agency work and engagement with more than 100 children and young people. It adopted a public-health approach, recognising links with exploitation, poverty, adverse childhood experiences, educational exclusion, community influences and family circumstances. Its four priorities were:

-        early intervention and prevention;

-       deter, disrupt and divert;

-       strengthening family support; and

-       improving educational support.

Delivery would be supported by an annual action plan containing specific actions, milestones, responsibilities and performance measures, with strategic oversight through the Youth Justice Management Board.

RESOLVED that:-

1. the contents of the Stockton-on-Tees Serious Youth Violence Strategy 2026-2031, be noted

2. the vision, priorities and partnership approach outlined within the Strategy, be endorsed.

3. implementation of the annual Serious Youth Violence Delivery Plan be supported

4. the governance arrangements which place strategic oversight with the Youth Justice Management Board be endorsed.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The Strategy provides the framework through which partners will collectively understand, prevent and respond to serious youth violence and aligns with statutory responsibilities under the Serious Violence Duty.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight on Friday 25 September 2026