Bracknell Forest's Youth Offending Service praised by inspectors with a lower-than-average re-offending rates

Bracknell Forest's Youth Offending Service was found to provide top quality support to youngsters who have been sentenced at Youth or Crown Court and has 'enthusiastic and committed staff', Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) says.

Inspectors gave the service a glowing review after they examined 14 cases of children and young people who had recently offended and were supervised by Bracknell Forest YOS, which aims to prevent reoffending by children and young people.

The published reoffending rate for Bracknell Forest was 34.9 per cent, lower than the England and Wales average of 38 per cent.

Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for children, young people and learning, said: “The work of the youth offending service is crucial to reducing and preventing reoffending among children and young people.

“I am very pleased that HMIP inspectors recognise the work of the council and its partner agencies is paying off with a lower rate of young people reoffending in the borough compared with the national figure.”

Inspectors found there were good quality reports to assist sentencing, the risk of harm to victims was effectively managed, the service provided comprehensive and accurate assessments and healthy relationships were built with youngsters which supported their case managers' ability to support them.

Run by the council with the help of volunteers, the youth offending service offers help to parents to manage children's behavious, helps change the behaviour of persistent reoffenders, supports youngsters on bail as well as those remanded or sentenced to custody and offers supervision following their release.

Thames Valley Police, the health service and probation service work together to support the council programme which helps youngsters aged between 10 and 17.

For more information about the service visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/youthoffending