Issue - meetings

Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Councillor Jeff Morgan

This report seeks adoption by Council for the Youth Justice Plan previously considered and endorsed by Cabinet.

Resolved:

That the Warwickshire Youth Justice Service Strategic Plan 2019/20 be adopted by Warwickshire County Council 2018-19.

Councillor Jeff Morgan (Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services) presented the plan to Council explaining that it was something that the whole authority should be proud of.

 The document had been endorsed by Cabinet and sent to the Youth Justice Board. Councillor Morgan had visited the Youth Justice Team at their office in Nuneaton and spoken to most of the staff there. He had been most impressed by their work. It was noted that children in care and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are not overly represented in the data.

 This is contrary to what some people believe to be the case. Councillor Pam Williams seconded the recommendation and reserved the right to speak. Councillor Jonathan Chilvers (Leader of the Green Group) welcomed the stability of the budget available for the team and noted the low number of first-time entrants and reoffending. Councillor Gilbert suggested that the key is to find meaningful employment for young offenders thus breaking the pattern of criminality. This view was echoed by others.

Councillor Pam Williams observed that early intervention is important to avoid patterns of inappropriate behaviour developing. The recommendation was put to the vote. It was agreed unanimously.

 Resolved:

That the Warwickshire Youth Justice Service Strategic Plan 2019/20 be adopted by Warwickshire County Council 2018-19.