The report - carried out by the independent Youth Offending Team Inspectorate – confirms that the Gwynedd Môn Youth Justice Service is making good progress towards achieving its targets, and also paid tribute to the commitment of the staff.
In introducing the report Andrew Bridges, H.M Chief Inspector of Probation stated that the service was progressing positively and that the overall assessment was that it was striving to work to national standards, was fully aware of both its strengths and weaknesses and had good prospects for future development.
Glyn Hughes, Head of Gwynedd Council’s Children and Families Service said:
“This independent report highlights the fact that the staff of our Youth Justice Service provide a high quality service for our young people. This inspection report is a testament to their hard work.
“The report confirms that service provided in Gwynedd and Anglesey in this vitally important field is amongst the best in Wales. This is a considerable achievement when we consider the ever tightening financial constraints facing Councils as we seek to provide good services for local people.”
The Gwynedd Môn Youth Justice Service, which is supported by Gwynedd Council, Isle of Anglesey Council, North Wales Police, Local Health Boards and the North Wales Probation Service, is responsible for the provision of all Youth Justice Services for ten to 18 year olds in the area. This includes prevention work, early intervention work, pre-court support work and post court work.
The main aim of the Gwynedd Môn Youth Justice Service is to prevent offending and reduce re-offending. The Service is committed to:
- supporting young people within custodial settings
- support young people to transfer back to the community from custody
- increasing victim participation
- increasing public awareness and confidence in the service
- preventing and reducing anti social behaviour
- early intervention with young people who are at risk of offending.
The Youth Offending Team carried out its inspection of the Gwynedd Môn Youth Justice Service during March and April 2008.
