Congratulations to the Hampshire Youth Justice Service Area Partnership for attaining Youth Justice SEND Quality Lead Status with a Child First Commendation
Hampshire Youth Justice Service Area Partnership has attained Youth Justice SEND Quality Lead status with a Child First Commendation at the first time of asking, which is in itself a great achievement, given the complexities of operating over a wide geographical area, and assuring consistency of provision and service across the region.
This quality of delivery is achieved through excellent, coordinated team leadership, underpinned by outstanding communication pathways between all service providers, maintained and nurtured at all levels (Executive, Strategic and Operational), a case in point being the seamless relationship between the LA SEND Team and the Youth Justice Service, and accountability through representation on the Youth Justice Management Board.
Professional development, training and new staff induction ensures consistency and awareness, which includes novel and innovative opportunities such as the Autism Bus (an immersive experience so that professionals develop a deeper understanding of the condition), as well as ELKLAN (Speech and Language), CBT and Mental Health, Self-Harm and Complex Trauma to name a few. There are many more opportunities to access high quality training through Hampshire-wide provision for all staff.
A key “Child First” pivot within the Hampshire provision is the JDMP (Joint Decision-Making Panel) which meets weekly. There is regular attendance from Hampshire Constabulary and children Services, with input from other relevant services on a case-by-case basis.
“Downstream” preventative work is mature and effective, with diversionary activity now accounting for at least 25% of the service workload. The prevention programme employs 13.5 staff and is working with approximately 100 children at any one time. They offer pre-emptive prevention to children referred by other agencies, specifically schools, children’s social care and the police. Family self-referrals are also welcomed and accommodated. Within this provision is a specialist Youth Crime Prevention Team, working with any child aged 10 – 16 (inclusive), who is at risk of offending and anti-social behaviour due to –
- Their own behaviour at home, at school or in the community.
- The influence of friends, family, and associates.
- Underlying risk factors that are likely to lead to offending or anti-social behaviour in the future.
Despite having a range of in-house co-located professionals (such as CAMHS and Therapeutic Wellbeing Officers), and having excellent relationships with other children’s service providers, HYJS continues to explore new ways to build on these firm Child First foundations. For example, a recent project that involved a deep dive into a number of cases revealed profound speech and language issues that appeared to be at the heart of children’s troubles. The service will continue to work strategically with health executive leadership and other potential sources of funds to secure SaLT (Speech and Language Therapy) support, something that has proved highly effective in other Area Partnerships that have been fortunate enough to secure this provision.
It has been a great pleasure to work with Hampshire Youth Justice Service and note the enthusiasm and commitment to continually develop provision for the most vulnerable and at-risk children across the region.
Well done to all.
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