Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Service - Early Intervention & Prevention

Tony Crane, Deputy Director of Children's Services, attended to present a report with regard to the Cheshire Youth Offending Service. He explained that the Council currently managed a shared service with Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC) for the delivery of youth justice services. The report identified recent discussions in regard to developing services across a wider Cheshire footprint.

It was noted that in January 2011 the Youth Justice Board was commissioned to appraise the potential of widening the footprint into a pan Cheshire Youth offending service, including Halton and Warrington. It was felt at the time that there was no compelling argument, either politically or financially, to amalgamate services and therefore no action was taken. Having said this, Tony explained that the situation had moved on in that CWAC was considering different partnership options. Consequently, it was necessary for the Council to be cognisant of the situation and be aware of the various options, including a Pan Cheshire model.

It was commented that it would have been useful to receive further information on performance data, outcomes and the budget in order to aid the Committee’s understanding of the service.

It was stated that the Council should ensure it makes looking after its own Youth Offending Service and young offenders a priority.

RESOLVED –

a)    That the report be noted

b)    That a further report be requested for a future meeting and that this include:

a.    Operational detail on the Youth Offending Service including performance data, outcomes and financial information

b.    The possible implications of the Council having to organise its own Youth Offending Service.