Youth offending teams boosted by Children’s Plan cash

Youth offending teams have welcomed confirmation of prevention funding for the next three years following feared job losses across the sector.

Children’s secretary Ed Balls last week announced £66m over three years for work with children and young people at risk of offending as part of the Children’s Plan.

This is in addition to £33m already secured by the Youth Justice Board, the Association of Youth Offending Team managers said.

Last month, Yot managers warned ministers that more than 1,000 youth offending team jobs were at risk because of uncertainty over future funding.

Mike Thomas, chair of the association, said he wanted to thank people who helped lobby the government.

“This was critical in proving the case and demonstrates what we can achieve by acting collectively and ensuring that we continue to have a critical voice in shaping government policy,” he said.

The AYM is now lobbying for a similar sum of money to be invested in services for young people already in the criminal justice system.

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Association of Youth Offending Team Managers