Our approach to inspecting youth justice services consists of three domains.
Organisational delivery (domain one)
We look at how the service is run and led, strategically. We look at workloads and staffing levels and whether there are arrangements for learning and development. Inspectors will look at any partnerships and services there may be and whether the right information is available and facilities are in place to support staff.
Court disposals (domain two)
Inspectors look at the assessment, planning, implementation and delivery and the reviewing processes being delivered to children and young people.
Out-of-court disposals (domain three)
Inspectors look at the assessment, planning, and implementation and delivery being delivered to children and young people, and also at the overarching policy and provision for out-of-court work.
Resettlement
Inspectors look at the policy and provision for resettlement work, illustrated by inspecting a small number of cases.
New Youth Inspection Programme Framework
In Spring 2025 we launched our new youth justice inspection framework across England and Wales.