MP hopes for Kent Youth Offending Team improvements

7th September 2011
MP hopes for Kent Youth Offending Team improvements

Gordon Henderson is hoping improvements will be made by the Kent Youth Offending Team (YOT) following the release of a “disappointing” inspection report.

The YOT work with children and young people to prevent them from breaking the law, re-offending and to support the victims of youth crime.

The report examined a sample of youth offending cases in Kent and judged how often the Public Protection and the Safeguarding aspects of the YOT’s work had been done to a high standard.

The report concluded that Safeguarding scored 59% with substantial improvement required, Public Protection (Risk of Harm) scored 53% with substantial improvement required and Public Protection (Likelihood of Reoffending) scored 68% with moderate improvement required.

Improvements required include more timely and good quality assessments being carried out on individuals, the plan of work with cases to be regularly reviewed and more effective management.

The inspectors concluded that overall the findings were disappointing.

Mr Henderson said,

“It is slightly worrying to see the relatively low scores awarded to the Kent Youth Offending Team, however, I am pleased that the need for improvement has been recognised and I hope that the inspector’s recommendations will be actioned as soon as possible.

“It is important that we have effective services available which support young people to keep them on the straight and narrow and not to reoffend.”