A YOUTH offending service on Teesside has been praised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation for the work it carries out.

A report published by the inspectorate shows that the team has engaged well with children and young people as well as their parents and carers in carrying out initial assessments; identified diversity issues; and assessed the likelihood of reoffending.

The inspectors visited the Youth Offending Service over a three day ‘Short Quality Screening’ inspection at the end of last month.

The report said that: “The Youth Offending Service can be proud of the progress made since our last inspection in 2010. Staff delivered high quality reports, assessments of reoffending, harm and vulnerability. They were well supported by their management team through robust quality assurance procedures.”

However, the inspectors identified one area for improvement which was to ensure reviews of assessments and plans to tackle the risk of harm to others and vulnerability were timely and completed quickly in the event of a significant change of circumstances.

Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Ann McCoy, said: “We are delighted with the inspectors’ findings and the team will continue to build upon its strengths and address areas for improvement identified by the inspectors.”

A full copy of the inspection report can be found at www.justice.gov.uk/publications/inspectorate-reports/hmi-probation/inspection-reports-youth/inspection-of-youth-offending-work