Report of the Director of Children’s Services is attached.

Contact: Karen Bradshaw  Tel: 01743 254201

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, Councillor N Bardsley and seconded by the Deputy Portfolio Holder, Councillor E Potter that the report of the Director of Children’s Services on the West Mercia Youth Justice Plan 2018/19, a copy of which is attached to the signed Minutes and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

Members understood the positive impact of the youth justice services across the West Mercia area  and the great effort involved to put measures in place to prevent offending and re-offending by children and young people.

A Member drew attention to Shropshire’s performance levels against national standards with young people being criminalised through the use of cautions rather than the more informal approach of community resolutions.  Another Member commented on the exemplary work being undertaken for adults attending ‘Willowdene’ where a whole person approach was taken and urged the development of a similar approach for young people.

The Portfolio Holder commented that the numbers of young people involved were very small and a sense of proportion needed to be maintained.  The Deputy Portfolio Holder added that education and job prospects were key and he would be interested to learn more about the ‘Willowdene’ approach.

RESOLVED:

That the Youth Justice Plan, attached as Appendix A to the report, be approved.