Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
5.1 Western Bay Youth Justice and Early Intervention Annual Plan
2016-17
The Committee received the Western Bay Youth Justice and Early
Intervention draft Annual Plan 2016/17 for commending to Council, as detailed
within the circulated report.
Members were informed that the production of a Youth
Justice Plan was a statutory duty and it sets out how youth justice services
would be provided and funded. Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea Youth
Offending Teams had been a merged service since 2014. A summary of achievements
were outlined to Members, which included the sharing of good practice,
sustaining performance during a period of uncertainty and change and reducing
the use of custodial sentences. It was noted that the Service had been
concentrating on restorative practices. Members noted that there would be two
schools in each Local Authority trained in restorative approaches and it was
queried which schools had been identified in Neath Port Talbot. Officers
explained that the schools in Neath Port Talbot had not yet been confirmed as
they wanted to target schools with higher levels of exclusions and bullying.
Officers highlighted that there had been no young
people in Neath Port Talbot placed in unsuitable accommodation on the
completion of a court order. The Resettlement and Reintegration Panel for the
three localities were now in place.
During 2015/16 the Service saw 109 children and
young people enter the Youth Justice System but diverted 520 children and young
people away from the system through the use of prevention programmes and
non-criminal disposal. The Service had developed a screening tool for the early
recognition of needs of children and young people. It was noted that
reoffending remains a big challenge for the Service and the reoffending toolkit
they used targeted resources in the areas required. Members were informed that
the Youth Offending Team had been rated as overall having good practice.
It was highlighted that there were risks to current
delivery as the team had to continue to deliver services and sustain
performance whilst making savings of almost £1 mil. The review of youth justice
services would also have implications across England and Wales and
restructuring within the Health Board could impact on substance misuse
services.
Members asked if the budget reductions would
continue to stretch the Service. It was explained that the Service was
experiencing the same challenges as other areas in meeting financial savings,
for example where there were vacancies in the team it had to be carefully
considered if they would be filled. It was highlighted that the majority of
staff had been open to new ways of working and the Service would continue to be
redesigned in the most efficient way. Members were pleased to see that the
Service was undertaking work with vulnerable young people to prevent them being
drawn into terrorism. Officers highlighted that the team looked out for early
indicators so that they could be challenged at any early stage.
Members asked for more detail about the Ministry of
Justice review of youth justice services by Charlie Taylor. It was explained
that the review was across England and Wales but seemed to have been very
English focussed and the Welsh system differs to the English system. The review
was due to be published in June 2016 but this has been delayed following the
recent referendum result. The information received so far seems to be
advocating a system of secure schools. Officers highlighted that there also
needs to be a therapeutic base as well. The review may suggest that Youth
Offending Teams should not undertake preventative work, as England does not
undertake this work in the same way. However, the Western Bay Team had had a
lot of success in preventing children and young people coming into the system.
It was noted that the review could change the structure of the youth justice
system, which would involve a change of legislation and take some time to
implement. There was some concern that partners would read the review and start
making reductions in resources and before any changes were implemented. If
there were changes to the way the Youth Justice Board and Welsh Government
allocated funding this would have huge implications for the Service. Members
noted that education was a devolved matter and would Welsh Government have a
mandate to challenge recommendations from the review on this basis. Officers
informed Members that it would have to be seen what changes were suggested.
There was also an ongoing debate over whether or not youth justice should be
devolved to Welsh Government.
Members queried the figures for the number of
education workers (including tutors) as the report stated there were 8 Full
Time Equivalents (FTE) in 2015/2016 but none in 2016/17. Officers noted that
this was an error and there were still 8 FTEs and the Plan would be amended
accordingly. Members noted that there were a few typographical errors in the
report and officers would proof read the report again. Members also asked if
there was going to be an increase in speech and language therapy and officers
highlighted that funding had been confirmed to increase this post from 0.5 FTE
to 1 FTE.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the
proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board.
5.2 Foundation Apprentices Report
The Committee received the report on the Foundation
Apprentice Scheme and its adoption within Business Support Services, of the
Social Services, Health and Housing Directorate, as detailed within the
circulated report.
Members were informed that the Foundation Apprentice Scheme
was open to 16 to 24 year olds and new appointments were given a 15 month
contract. During this time they were provided with all the necessary help and
support required in completing a NVQ Level 2 in Business. The scheme provided
on the job experience, a qualification and supports a number of the Council’s
Corporate Aims and Objectives.
Officers highlighted that the young people involved in the
scheme brought new skills and ideas with them, such as IT, which was of benefit
to the Service. An example was given of a young person developing a new system
for computer records that had been an improvement for the Service. It was
explained that opportunities within IT Services were being considered to
develop this young person’s skills further.
It was noted that line managers had commented on
the enthusiasm and energy the young people can bring to a team. A survey had
been undertaken with teams and there had been positive responses to the
services provided by Business Support. It was noted that after completing the
scheme some of the young people were filling permanent and temporary posts within
the Council, with a retention rate of 78% at present. It was highlighted that
during April 2016 some of the Foundation Apprentices had completed a brief
survey, noting their experiences of the scheme and all agreed or strongly
agreed that it was rewarding and all of them would recommend it.
It was explained that the Corporate Parent Panel had
received a report on how the Service had recently looked to draw on young
people within the looked after system to apply for the scheme. It was
highlighted that following this there were currently three that were employed
and flourishing under the scheme.
It was noted that some other service areas were using
modern apprentices, which was to be encouraged. It was recognised that some
young people may be suited to other roles that were not administration based
and there was scope to develop the scheme in other areas. Members asked what
the biggest barrier was that prevented the scheme being rolled out further.
Officers suggested it could be that there were some financial and management
commitment involved, as time and support had to be invested into supporting the
young people. However, the Service felt that these were small resource
implications compared with the positive benefits.
The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People requested
that Members encouraged Services to adopt this scheme where appropriate.
Members were pleased to hear the about the positive
benefits of the scheme and thought that it was an excellent initiative.
Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.