Somerset Youth Justice Service rated ‘Requires improvement’

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, said: “While there were elements of strong practice within court disposal casework at Somerset YJS, we found significant confusion over the use of out-of-court disposals. A fundamental review of the scheme and its implementation needs to be undertaken as a matter of urgency.”

The report found out-of-court disposals at Somerset YJS had not received adequate ownership, governance, analysis or evaluation. Screening and assessments identified desistance factors, but the level of safety and wellbeing issues for children were “systematically underestimated”. Exploitation of children, including behaviours and potential indicators of child exploitation were not always recognised by this screening process.  

However, inspectors praised the work undertaken with children subject to court orders. Assessment activity was strong, and plans were targeted and personalised. Delivery of interventions and support was individualised, and positive examples of partnership working were observed. A priority was given to improving children’s education, training and employment opportunities.

Mr Jones continued: “Somerset YJS and the board have demonstrated they are capable of driving and delivering consistent, high-quality interventions and support for children receiving court orders. A shift in focus to progress the recommendations we have made should ensure all children who encounter the YJS, not just those on post-court interventions, receive appropriate, consistent, and effective support.”

This report makes 10 recommendations. Four of these are for Somerset YJS, including to improve the quality of the out-of-court disposal assessment activity. Four are for the Somerset Youth Justice Partnership board, including to make sure the needs of children across the range of protected characteristics are known, understood and responded to. Two recommendations are for Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

ENDS 

Notes to editor 

1. 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.
2. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’, rating specific aspects of each service and giving an overall rating.
3. The inspection looked at standards of organisational delivery (leadership, staffing and facilities), their management of children serving court sentences (court disposals) and children serving cautions or community sentences (out-of-court disposals).
4. The report is available on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on 18 March 2025 at 00.01.
5. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales.
6. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in December 2024.
7. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications: media@hmiprobation.gov.uk