Buckinghamshire Youth Offending Service rated ‘Good’

Cabinet Member for Buckinghamshire’s Education and Children’s Services, Councillor Anita Cranmer said: “We are pleased the recent inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation found our Youth Offending Service has struck a balance between protecting the local community from the risks associated with offending and supporting children to desist from further offending. The rating of ‘Good’ reflects our efforts to find meaningful ways to encourage each child, under our supervision, to embrace education and look forward to their future.”

The inspection identified that the leadership of Buckinghamshire YOS is strong, and that staff are skilled and motivated. The report notes that the management board is in touch with all aspects of the service’s work and is driving efforts to address the ethnic disproportionality of children being supervised.

Cllr Cranmer added: “Feedback from children themselves was positive, and it was clear that they are getting the support they need. This is evident in the service’s resettlement work – to find children appropriate accommodation after they are released from custody – which was separately rated as ‘Outstanding’.”

The report makes seven recommendations to Buckinghamshire YOS, including that the service strengthen their work with children receiving out-of-court disposals (such as cautions or community resolutions) which this inspection found needed to focus on the safety and wellbeing of children and the management of risk of harm to others. Buckinghamshire YOS will be submitting its action plan to HMIP by 25 January 2023.