Devon Youth Justice plan focuses on families

It follows approval of the plan by the Devon Youth Justice Partnership Board which is responsible for the strategic oversight, direction and delivery of youth justice services in Devon.

Devon County Council's Cabinet endorsed the latest Devon Youth Justice Service Annual Plan at their meeting earlier this week.

It follows approval of the plan by the Devon Youth Justice Partnership Board which is responsible for the strategic oversight, direction and delivery of youth justice services in Devon.

DCC are required to produce a Youth Justice Plan annually and it outlines how services are delivered and their priorities for the coming year.

The focus is on understanding and supporting the needs of families to help ensure that children at risk don’t enter the justice system for the first time.  

It details how services, such as the planned Risk outside the Home service (now called Links), aims to prevent offending behaviour and reduce reoffending rates.

The plan, which can be viewed here is also an opportunity to detail key accomplishments made over the past year as well as acknowledging areas for improvement.

It includes sections on reoffending rates, custody levels and factors that can contribute to offending behaviour such as deprivation and substance misuse.

Additionally, the it includes sections on education, training and employment, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), social care and Emotional and Mental Health.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Schools said:

“I welcome this latest report. The service is committed to achieving the best outcomes possible for Devon’s children, young people, and communities.

“While this plan reflects on accomplishments made over the past year, it also acknowledges areas for improvement and our priorities.

“The central aim of this year’s plan is to continue to focus on preventing children at risk from entering the formal justice system.

“Similarly, understanding and responding to exploitation risks and increasing serious violence rates amongst children and young people in Devon remains a priority, which we are committed to addressing through a closer alignment to Early Help services, the development of a Risk Outside the Home service and active participation in Devon’s reducing serious violence strategy.”