Bradford and District's Youth Offending Team has been hailed by inspectors as an 'energetic and forward-looking' organisation.
A glowing report of the service, which is part of Bradford Council's Services to Children and Young People, has been given by a multi-agency inspection team from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation.
Andrew Bridges, HM Chief Inspector of Probation described the team as an "energetic and forward-thinking organisation" with "some innovative ideas which had been translated into practice."
The team scored 'excellent' in two areas - 'outcomes of work with children and young people in the community' which included working in partnership with the Youth Service to set up an anti-bullying text messaging service.
The management and leadership of the team was also marked as 'excellent' with the YOT being "influential in developing the district's approach to tackling anti-social behaviour as part of the Respect action plan pilot." The majority of members of staff interviewed said they "felt well-informed about policies and procedures."
The service works to give young offenders a more positive direction for their lives and prevent them getting into a cycle of re-offending. Those who have benefited from this work have also given the service a thumbs-up:
80 per cent of them said they were now less likely to re-offend
95 per cent felt YOT staff were really interested in helping
98 per cent felt they were treated fairly and with respect.
Coun Colin Gill, Executive Member for Children's Services, said: "This is a very positive assessment of Bradford YOT. I have seen at close quarters the work they do with young offenders and young people at risk of offending and I am pleased the inspection has recognised the quality of this work."
The team also scored as 'good' in five areas - work in the courts, work with children and young people at risk of offending, work with children and young people who have offended, work with parents and carers and victims and restorative justice.
Officer/Contact
Paul O'Hara
Youth Offending Team Manager
Telephone: 01274 436063
Media Relations Officer
Kathy Grillo
Telephone: 01274 433526
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 14.05.08
