YOUTH JUSTICE PLAN

Speech by Cllr Zoé Patrick delivered to The Cabinet on Tue 16th May 2006

YOUTH JUSTICE PLAN

Having listened to the debate at Community Safety Scrutiny Committee, I was pleased that one of the areas the committee have asked to be looked at is the health funding issue - the fact that they never put any money into the service. I think this matter should be taken up with the District Auditor as a matter of urgency because they not meeting their statutory obligation. Also the training needs of 16-19 year olds which should be followed up with the Learning and Skills Council - we know how important it is that our young people are skilled for the future.

It is unfortunate (para 4) that the YOS has made considerable reductions in staffing. And as it says in para. 5 this has meant some reductions in performance in comparison with the previous year. Supporting everything said in para. 6 about the prevention work and pleased to see this will be strengthened. Also pleased to see the commitment from TVP. However, we do need to be putting in more money not less into this service.

Concerned that reading p.46 of the plan we see the current Education Development Manager post has been made redundant. We know that working closely with schools and in particular ensuring regular attendance at school increases the chance of young people maintaining some skills and support, so we hope that this will be closely monitored.