Yots pulled up over assessments

Two youth offending teams (Yots) have been told to improve
assessments of offenders who pose a risk of harm following visits
by the Probation Inspectorate, writes Craig
Kenny.

An inspection report of Enfield Yot praises its preventative
agenda, while its work with young victims of crime is described as
“impressive”. But better assessment is needed of cases
posing a risk of harm, although supervision is good in cases that
are identified.

Also home visits are not always satisfactorily done, says the
report. The team does not enforce orders consistently enough, and
does not always hold referral order panels within national standard
timescales. Parents and carers show a “limited”
attendance at panels.

A second report of Neath Port Talbot Yot found that assessments
were of a high standard, although more attention should be paid to
risk of harm procedures.

All children were assessed by health and education workers and
there are good ties with the local education authority, says the
report.

The team is developing a strategy to increase interventions with
parents. Currently a parenting programme is available, but only to
parents and carers of offenders under 16.