Council rated one of country’s strongest services for Youth Justice

A council has been rated as one of the country’s leading local authorities for Youth Justice.

Bromley Youth Justice received an ‘outstanding’ rating from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Councillor Kate Lymer, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Children, Education and Families said: “This is heartening and welcome news which is directly attributable to the professional dedication of so many.

“We pay tribute to this work, which can be immensely challenging but which directly helps each child to succeed.”

As part of the inspection a number of different aspects of the Youth Justice were assessed, including organisational delivery, the management of children serving court sentences, children serving cautions or community sentences as well as the resettlement of children leaving custody.

All areas were judged to be outstanding or good, with an overall rating of outstanding and a total score of 33 out of a possible 36 points.

The result means Bromley is one of five councils in London and one of 17 across the country with the highest category overall rating for its youth justice services.

The Inspectorate’s report noted there “is a focus on improving impact” and this was supported by evidence “showing significant reductions in the reoffending of its cohort of children”.

The report also referenced the reoffending rate in Bromley being lower than the national figure.

Cllr Lymer said: “We welcome the findings and recommendations and will consider the best ways to bring these forward to improve still further.”

The inspection outcome follows an Ofsted inspection of Bromley’s Children Services last year which concluded that children in the borough receive “exceptionally strong services”, with an outstanding rating in all categories.

Pictured top: Councillors, police and Youth Justice staff celebrate the outstanding rating by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (Picture: Bromley council)