Agenda item

The Council noted a report of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services which presented the Youth Justice Plan 2019/21 and highlighted the key achievements in reducing re-offending during 2018/19.  The report also provided the areas for improvement that the service would focus upon during the next period as set out in the Service Improvement Plan (for copy see file of Minutes).

Councillor O Gunn, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services commended the report which continued to show positive outcomes for the County Durham Youth Offending Service.  Since 2013/14 the number of young people entering the criminal justice system had reduced by 46%.  The achievements of the Service and the drive to improve would not be possible without the engagement of a wide range of partners.

During 2019/20 County Durham Youth Offending Service would change its name to County Durham Youth Justice Service.

Councillor R Bell referred to the reduction in the number of young people entering the criminal justice system and sought assurance that this was not because of non-detection of crimes.

The Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services responded that the Service, in partnership with the police, had a strong prevention focus with the Youth Justice Team responding quickly to intelligence received to divert young people away from crime.

Councillors R Bell, A Hopgood and O Gunn paid tribute to the service of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services and wished her well for her retirement.