Child exploitation 'not always spotted' by service

The report made 10 recommendations including two for Avon and Somerset Constabulary

A service tackling youth offending in Somerset "requires improvement", according to a recent inspection.

The HM Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) found the Somerset Youth Justice Service's level of safety and wellbeing issues for children to be "systematically underestimated".

The body is said to have "not received adequate ownership, governance, analysis or evaluation" with the report also stating that the exploitation of children was "not always recognised" in its screening process.

The Somerset Youth Justice Partnership said it is "reviewing and developing court processes to improve assessments".

Chief Inspector of Probation Martin Jones said a "fundamental review" of the scheme and its implementation needs to be undertaken as "a matter of urgency".

He added there were "elements of strong practice" at Somerset Youth Justice Service but it found "significant confusion over the use of out-of-court disposals".

The HMIP's visit highlighted 10 recommendations - four of which were for Somerset Youth Justice Service to "improve the quality" of its out-of-court disposal assessment activity.

Another four recommendations were for the board to ensure that the needs of children across the range of protected characteristics are known, understood and responded to - while a further two recommendations were for Avon and Somerset Police.

Improving children's education, training and employment opportunities were also highlighted as priorities.

However, inspectors praised the work undertaken with children subject to court orders, stating assessments were "strong" and plans were "targeted and personalised".

A spokesperson for the Somerset Youth Justice Partnership they "take on board the recommendations".

"We are proud of the outstanding judgement for those children involved in court processes and the positive views from children and their families about the work of staff in the team.

"We understand the inspectors' concerns about the out of court scheme and we are already working with our police colleagues on reviewing and developing out of court processes to improve our assessment and further deter children from a criminal pathway," they added.