Hartlepool youth justice service rated 'Good', but inspectors recommend some improvements

Hartlepool Youth Justice Service received the second highest overall rating possible following an inspection from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation at the end of 2020.

RELATED: Hartlepool domestic violence agency reports 25% increase in referrals since covid pandemic began

The service was rated on the arrangements for organisational delivery of the service, quality of work done with children sentenced by the courts, and the quality of out-of-court work.

In four of the 12 separate areas examined the Hartlepool Youth Offending Service was rated ‘Outstanding’, while it was rated ‘Good’ in six and ‘Requires Improvement’ in two.

Marc Baker, director of operations at the Inspectorate, said in the report detailing the findings, staff were ‘motivated and engaged’ and numerous aspects of the service were ‘Outstanding’.

The report said: “Hartlepool Youth Justice Service (YJS) is a good service. The Board has good representation from partner agencies.

“Staff are motivated and engaged, and there is excellent health provision to meet the requirements of children.

“Assessments for court cases were outstanding. Staff analysed information well and were skilled at engaging with children and their families.

“In nearly all cases, out-of-court work was delivered to a high standard. Assessments, planning and joint working were outstanding.”

However the report did note several areas in which the services in Hartlepool could be improved going forward.

It added: “There is a high level of need for substance misuse services, but not enough children are using the service in place.

“Too many children in Hartlepool are also not having their education needs met.”

Recommendations for improvements include carrying out steps to address these issues and confirming a start date for the new Chair of the YJS Management Board.

The previous Chair left in December 2019, and it has ‘not been possible’ to induct a new Chair into the role according to the report, although the interim Chair has a ‘good knowledge’ of the system.

Fieldwork was conducted remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, through the analysis of case files, and telephone and video conferencing, and took place between 26 October and 29 October 2020.

The Hartlepool YJS exists to try and ensure children and young people between the age of 10 and 17 do not engage in offending or reoffending, and if they do, are dealt with, guided and supported appropriately.

This inspection was led by HM Inspector Tracy Green, supported by a team of inspectors and colleagues from across the Inspectorate.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.