Agenda item

The Committee received a report of the Corporate Director, Children and Young People's Services which gave an overview of County Durham Youth Justice Service, including the latest Service/Partnership performance.  It highlighted key achievements during the previous year, along with areas for improvement and development which the service would be focussed upon during the next year (for copy see file of minutes).

D Summers, Youth Justice Service Manager gave a brief outline of his presentation which highlighted the financial issues with funding coming to an end meaning that 19 out of 50 members of staff were at risk.  The service had expanded its remit and now linked with the ASB processes to provide interventions for young people, families and victims.

Councillor V Andrews asked what next steps were taken with the parents of a child or young person who had been caught committing an ASB offence.

The Youth Justice Service Manager responded that there was a panel that met to look at support for parents and/or use of parenting orders. Most parents once contacted accepted support to manage the behaviour of their child when they had been caught committing offences.

Councillor D McKenna asked if orders were given to parents of young people who misbehaved on off road bikes which were illegal to ride or any other actions that were taken.

The Youth Justice Service Manager replied that this would be a question for the Head of Community Protection to answer, but advised that they had found that, generally, parents wanted the help and support with their children to resolve the issues they faced.

Councillor J Charlton thanked the Youth Justice Service Manager for presentation which was an interesting read. She hoped the service continued to get funding as they did a good job.

Resolved:

That the report and work of the service be noted.