Agenda item

The Youth Offending Services Manager (IYSS, Schools and Lifelong Learning, Children and Young People’s Services Directorate) attended the meeting to provide a quarterly performance management report on key performance (national) and local performance indicators for the Service. 

Rotherham’s performance had been rated ‘Red’ in relation to first time entrants to the youth justice system aged 10-17 (based on rate per 100,000 of the 10-17 year old population).  There had been an increase of 19.1% comparing the outturn between January-December 2012 and January – December 2013.  The Youth Offending Services manager explained that a rise was being observed in the first time entrants’ data and work was continuing to determine why this was the case.  In November, 2013, new Youth Cautions and Youth Condition Cautions had been introduced.  The impact of these would require more analysis.  The Youth Offending Services Manager was a member of the South Yorkshire wide scrutiny panel that looked at trends in youth offending data. 

Performance against the National Indicator, as measured by the Youth Justice Board through collection of the data on the Police national computer and then disaggregated to local authorities, was showing an increase in the number of first-time entrants.  However, the data represented an increase of 5 individuals, which continued to show a decrease. 

Performance against the National Indicators relating to the quality checking of new assessments, new assessments meeting quality standards and the quality of cases were on hold due to the Youth Justice Board’s audit of National Standards.  Rotherham continued to be compliant with the casework requirements.

Reductions in the number of first time entrants to the youth justice system had meant that, over time, the Youth Offending Service had seen a decline in the numbers within the Youth Justice System.  However, the decline in numbers entering had not been matched by a decline in re-offending and those remaining in the system were re-offending more often.  In addition, case managers were reporting that these young people were more difficult to engage and the occasions on which the Youth Offending Service had to resort to Breach were increasing.  This suggested that the Youth Offending Service was working with a group of young people whose characteristics meant they were more likely to reoffend, more likely to have complex needs and may be more demanding to support and divert away from offending behaviour than in the past. 

Re-offending was most likely to happen within 2/3 months of the original Order.  The Youth Offending Service did co-ordinate diversionary activities to try to prevent re-offending.  Another factor was that when a young person entered the Youth Justice System a back-log of other offences were dealt with.  Conviction for these offences led to increased re-offending statistics. 

Rotherham’s Youth Offending Team’s Youth Justice Strategic Plan, 2014/2015, was submitted for information.  It was a requirement of the Grant funding received.

Resolved: -  (1)  That the report be received and its content noted. 

(2)  That the Youth Offending Service’s quarterly performance be noted.

(3)  That quarterly performance updates be provided on the Youth Offending Service.