Issue - decisions

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 sets 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 be provided and funded, how they would operate, and what functions would be carried out.

The Youth Justice Plan reports on the vision, strategy, governance, leadership and partnership arrangements. It reflected and built upon strong performance against key national performance measures. It documented key themes around child first principles, workforce development, diversion, exploitation and working with families.

The Youth Justice Plan was produced after consultation with partners.

The Plan documents seven key strategic objective for the forthcoming year as follows:-

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)       Strengthen our responses to Serious Youth Violence and Child Exploitation.

5)       To reduce the number of school exclusions.

6)       To refresh our practice in our work victims and restorative practice.

7)       To develop a Participation model of practice.

A copy of the Stockton-on-Tees Youth Justice Plan was attached to the report.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the Stockton-on-Tees Youth Justice Plan 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