URL: https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2571

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 places a statutory obligation upon each Local Authority to create a local Youth Justice Team, whose primary aim is to prevent and reduce the offending behaviour of children (aged 10–18-year-olds) alongside key partners. A further obligation is placed upon each local Team to create a yearly Youth Justice Plan setting out strategic and operational objectives for the forthcoming 12 months. This plan follows the prescribed approach set down by the Youth Justice Board.   The plan celebrates many successes and demonstrates how the partnership has worked together to improve outcomes for children involved with the criminal justice system, by offering a range of services and provisions to address the causes of crime.   The plan details both statutory and non-statutory interventions that have helped reduce re-offending rates and seen a steady decline in the use of custody. Re-offending rates in Croydon are lower than both the regional and national levels. The latest data from the Youth Justice Board (proven re-offending) shows Croydon at 29.1% in comparison to the London average of 30.4% and the national average of 32.1%. The plan also details the Youth Justice’s contributions to the Local Authorities Youth Offer including the delivery of Youth Clubs and specialist group work and how the service aligns with the voluntary community sector and local resource to help children re-integrate. The plan also provides detail of the Services prevention and diversion offer including the use of custody suite Youth Work and the Turnaround Project.   The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 require each plan to have Council approval and endorsement. Historically this endorsement has been sighted and governed through the local Youth Justice Crime Board. However, the Ministry of Justice has reverted to the Act and has requested that given the public nature of this document such plans are approved at Council. Youth justice plans must be signed off by the Full Council in accordance with Regulation 4 of the ‘Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000’.

Content: The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 places a statutory obligation upon each Local Authority to create a local Youth Justice Team, whose primary aim is to prevent and reduce the offending behaviour of children (aged 10–18-year-olds) alongside key partners. A further obligation is placed upon each local Team to create a yearly Youth Justice Plan setting out strategic and operational objectives for the forthcoming 12 months. This plan follows the prescribed approach set down by the Youth Justice Board.   The plan celebrates many successes and demonstrates how the partnership has worked together to improve outcomes for children involved with the criminal justice system, by offering a range of services and provisions to address the causes of crime.   The plan details both statutory and non-statutory interventions that have helped reduce re-offending rates and seen a steady decline in the use of custody. Re-offending rates in Croydon are lower than both the regional and national levels. The latest data from the Youth Justice Board (proven re-offending) shows Croydon at 29.1% in comparison to the London average of 30.4% and the national average of 32.1%. The plan also details the Youth Justice’s contributions to the Local Authorities Youth Offer including the delivery of Youth Clubs and specialist group work and how the service aligns with the voluntary community sector and local resource to help children re-integrate. The plan also provides detail of the Services prevention and diversion offer including the use of custody suite Youth Work and the Turnaround Project.   The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 require each plan to have Council approval and endorsement. Historically this endorsement has been sighted and governed through the local Youth Justice Crime Board. However, the Ministry of Justice has reverted to the Act and has requested that given the public nature of this document such plans are approved at Council. Youth justice plans must be signed off by the Full Council in accordance with Regulation 4 of the ‘Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000’. For the reasons set out in the report and its appendix the Executive Mayor and Cabinet is AGREED:   2.1 To agree the plan and recommend that the plan be referred to Full Council with a recommendation for approval - in line with statutory obligations detailed in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Date of Decision: September 24, 2025