Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Stockton-on-Tees Youth Justice Plan

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Stockton-on-Tees Youth Justice Plan.

Local authority partnerships had a statutory duty to submit a Youth Justice Plan relating to their provision of youth justice services (YJSs). Section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 set out the youth justice partnerships responsibilities in producing a plan. It stated that it was the duty of each local authority, in consultation with partner agencies, to formulate and implement an annual youth justice plan, setting out how YJSs in their area were to be provided and funded, how they would operate, and what functions would be carried out.

The Youth Justice Plan reported on the vision, strategy, governance, leadership and partnership arrangements. It reflected and built upon good performance against key national performance measures. It also documented key themes around child first principles, evidence-based practice, prevention and diversion and our work with victims.

The Youth Justice Plan was produced after consultation with the partnership which includes the Police, Probation, Health and Education.

The Plan built upon the work done throughout 24/25. The document outlined six key strategic objective for the forthcoming year. These were:

1)         Help children stay out of the criminal justice system.

2)         To reduce reoffending.

3)         Reduce the use of custody and prioritise effective resettlement.

4)         Continue to strengthen our response to Serious Youth Violence and Child Exploitation.

5)         Focus on reducing exclusions, improving school attendance and provide post 16 opportunities.

6)         To continue to develop our interventions and our child friendly space.

RECOMMENDED to Council that Stockton-on-Tees Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26 be approved.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

Youth Justice Plans, in England only, must be signed off by the full Council in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities England Regulations 2000).

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

N/A