Contact: Steve Crocker, Wessex Youth Offending Team Manager, 01962 876100, [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

1) That the Executive Member for Children & Families notes the content of the YOT Inspection report and approves the Improvement Plan.

2) That the Executive Member for Children & Families consider increasing the YOT funding by £100,000 as part of the 08/09 forward budget priorities and by a further £25,000 from 2009/10..

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priority:

"Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all" - by a commitment to deliver services and address offending behaviour;

"Maximising well-being" - by improving the quality of life and well being of the community and of children and young people;

"Enhancing our quality of place" - through providing a range of services, and, through working with young offenders, making Hampshire a safer place.

2.2 The decision supports the following Aims of the Children Act:

(Being healthy; Staying safe; Enjoying and achieving; Making a positive contribution; Economic well-being) by addressing the holistic needs of our children in care.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 Action recommended as a result of an independent Inspection. To do nothing may have a negative impact upon future inspections or assessments of the YOT or the council's Children's Services Department.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

5.1 None

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

6.1 None.

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor Mrs Patricia Banks

Executive Member for Children and Families