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“Sense of optimism” at Rotherham Youth Justice Service, rated ‘Requires improvement’ following inspection

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Rotherham Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’ following an inspection of work with children and victims by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, said: “Practitioners were skilled and committed to building relationships and identifying the strengths and goals of the children. However, we found inconsistencies in the practice and oversight of casework to promote the safety of the child and the community.”

Inspectors found that found that assessing activity was sometimes descriptive rather than analytical, did not consistently draw on all available sources of information, and did not always identify or verify critical safety factors. In several instances, insufficiencies in assessing had impacted the effectiveness of planning and subsequent delivery of services to promote the safety of the child and community.

Practice did not always identify and analyse children’s diverse and individual needs. Greater focus was needed in tailoring and sequencing support to meet individual circumstances, particularly for children subject to shorter out-of-court resolutions.

Inspectors described work with victims as “impressive”, with the commissioned service demonstrating a strong commitment to learning and development. Practitioners and managers working with victims were well integrated into the YJS and respected within partnership arrangements.

Mr Jones continued, “We recognise that this inspection took place during a period of significant change for the service [see notes to editor]. Despite this, there was a sense of optimism that the proposed changes would create opportunities to strengthen services for children and victims. I wish the team every success for the future.”

The Inspectorate’s report makes seven recommendations. Four are Rotherham YJS, including to improve assessing, planning, and delivery of casework to ensure individualised, consistent and high-quality activity to keep children and communities safe. Three are for the Rotherham Youth Justice Partnership Board, including to continue to support the review of the YJS to ensure it is appropriately structured, resourced and supported.

Notes to editor 

  1. Inspections of work with children and victims is one of two separate types of youth justice inspection undertaken by the Inspectorate.
  2. The YJS had recently been realigned within the Family Help Service to strengthen integration with the wider partnership, and its structure, roles and responsibilities were under review.
  3. In this inspection we have inspected and rated work against our standards in domain two, and the victims’ standard. For more information, visit our website: Youth Justice Services – HM Inspectorate of Probation
  4. This service works with children aged 10 to 17. The YJS supervise children with complex needs and some in the care of the local authority.
  5. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’; ‘Good’; ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’; rating specific aspects of each service and giving an overall rating.
  6. The report is available on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on 04 August 2026.
  7. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales.
  8. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in March 2026.
  9. For media enquiries; please contact Head of Communications: media@hmiprobation.gov.uk