NOTES of the COMBINED YOUTH JUSTICE COMMITTEE held at The Civic Offices, Southampton City Council on Wednesday, 26 March, 2003

(THIS MEETING WAS INQUORATE)

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillor Mrs. P.G. Peskett.

Southampton City Council

Councillor R.W. Harris (Chairman).

Councillor V. P. Moore

Portsmouth City Council

Councillor T. P. Blair

Probation Board

D. Boyle

Youth Court Chairman (Co-opted Member)

Mrs R. Behan

Also in attendance:

P.J. Sutton - Head of Youth Offending Services

I. Langley - Wessex YOT

R. E. Howison - Johnston - Wessex YOT

Ms J. E. Durston - Wessex YOT

B. Harris - Wessex YOT

Ms J.E. Durston - Wessex YOT

Chief Inspector M. Dulson - Hampshire Constabulary

J. Holland - National Probation Service, Hampshire

P.H. Hughes - Swanwick Lodge Secure Unit

J. H. Cawthra - Head of Eotas Service, Hampshire County Council

G.W. Wright - Social Services, Hampshire County Council

Mrs C.L. Tozer - Social Services, Southampton City Council

Dr M. Stephenson - Guest Speaker

Apologies :

Mrs A. Valentine - Probation Board (Vice Chairman)

Councillor Mrs. E.M.F. Randall - Hampshire County Council

Councillor R. J. Baulk - Hampshire County Council

Councillor Mrs M.D. Snaith - Hampshire Police Authority

J. Doyle - Social Services, Isle of Wight Council

Councillor Mrs N. Bentley - Portsmouth City Council

Mrs P. Robinson - Social Services, Portsmouth City Council

J. Black - Magistrates Court Committee

Mrs E. MacDonald JP - Youth Court Chairman

Mrs. D.M. Evans JP - Youth Court Chairman

Mrs M. Bowden JP - Youth Court Chairman

Councillor B. Lipscomb - Strategic Health Authority

I. Piper - Primary Care Trust

1 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2003, were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman


Matters arising thereon:-


Minute No. 5 - Operational and Value for Money Review: Wessex Youth Offending Team


The Head of Youth Offending Services advised that proposals were being drafted for the reconfiguration of the Management Structure and that a further report would be submitted to the Committee in due course. In relation to the Children's Fund it was noted that the respective plans of Hampshire County Council and the two Unitary Authorities had been approved.

Minute No.6 - Annual Update of the 2002 - 2005 Youth Justice Plan

The Chairman reported that he had written to the Youth Justice Board highlighting the Committees concerns about the shortage of secure accommodation in the South of England. A copy of the letter was circulated at the meeting. At the date of the meeting, no response had been received from the Youth Justice Board.

2 THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE SECURE ESTATE

The group considered a report of the Head of Youth Offending Services and received a detailed presentation from Dr Martin Stephenson, a lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, about educational arrangements for young offenders whilst they are held in the Secure Estate, and after their release.

The presentation focussed on the Youth Justice Board's commitments to the education of young people in secure estate, operational challenges and an overview of the audit of education and training provision for young people in custody on detention and training orders.

The research findings revealed significant concerns about the provision for, and educational experiences of, young people prior to being sentenced to custody and post release. Evidence to support the extent of the problems was referred to by Dr. Martin Stephenson and in particular, it was noted that the literacy and numeracy skills of the majority of young offenders was well below the average.

On a positive note, Dr Martin Stephenson did highlight that there was clear enthusiasm on the part of the young offenders to engage in educational activities and be a part of mainstream schooling on their release.

In summary, Dr Martin Stephenson considered that the systems and procedures in place to provide quality education and training provision were lacking and if anything increased the risk factors for the young people.

The group expressed deep concerns about the findings of the audit and discussed the main points in detail. In particular, it was felt that more could be done for young offenders when released and it was suggested that Local Authorities arrange full time, suitable educational provision for all young offenders of school age who leave the secure estate. It was also suggested that Local Authorities and their partner agencies participate in early and effective planning in order to ensure a smooth transition from the secure estate into suitable mainstream education in the community.

At the end of the presentation, the group thanked Dr. Martin Stephenson for both an informative and interesting presentation.

3 THE 2003/04 UPDATE OF THE 3 YEAR YOUTH JUSTICE PLAN

The group considered a report of the Head of Youth Offending Services detailing the Youth Justice Plan for 2003/04. It was noted that the plan would be submitted to the Youth Justice Board on 31 March 2003.

The Head of Youth Offending Services also reported that the Probation Service contribution to the partnership's budget had been reduced by £90,000. The group expressed concerns about the difficulties arising from this decision.

The group noted the 2003/04 update of the three year Youth Justice Plan.

4 ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE COMBINED YOUTH JUSTICE COMMITTEE

The group considered a report of the Head of the Youth Offending Services setting out the proposed arrangements for the Annual Conference to be held on 1 July 2003 at Netley Police Headquarters.

The group agreed that the Committee hold its Annual Conference for 2003 on Tuesday, 1 July 2003 at Netley Police Headquarters with a joint Seminar with the Chief Officers Group and the Combined Youth Justice Committee be held on the same day. It was also agreed that the meeting of the Committee schedule for 18 June 2003 be postponed to the afternoon of 1 July 2003.

5 EFFECTIVE PRACTICE IN THE YOUTH JUSTICE SYSTEM

In view of the low attendance, the Chairman advised that this report be deferred to the July meeting of the Committee.