New Northamptonshire Young Offending Service rated as good

The Youth Offending Service, based in Billing Road, Northampton, has been rated as good

A youth offending service has been rated as good in its first inspection since a major reorganisation.

Northamptonshire Youth Offending Service (YOS) has existed through the abolition of local councils and the creation of Northamptonshire Children's Trust (NCT).

The service specifically for children leaving custody was rated outstanding.

The chief inspector at HM Inspectorate of Probation said the YOS made "every effort" to stop children offending.

In 2021, the local authorities in Northamptonshire went through one of the biggest restructures seen in any county in recent years.

The children's trust was created across both of the new unitary authorities, West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire.

The aim was to address some issues with the services provided to children and keep spiralling costs under control.

The YOS is part of the NCT and the inspectors found the service was creating effective partnerships with organisations such as the police, health trusts and schools.

Young offenders told inspectors the service "supported me mentally" and "helped me through a lot"

Young people were asked for their thoughts as part of the inspection. One said: "My YOS worker is absolutely amazing. They have helped me through a lot, and I can't thank them enough.

"Ever since they came into my life a lot of things have changed for the better."

Another said: "My YOS worker not only taught me why what I was doing was wrong, but also treated me with respect and supported me mentally as well, and is helping me to understand my emotions better and how to deal with things that have happened in my past."

Five recommendations were made for improving the service, including increasing the range of individuals working with the children who reflect their heritage or other protected characteristics.

The chair of the NCT, Julian Wooster, said: "We are extremely pleased that the fantastic work of our Youth Offending Service has been recognised in this inspection.

"We have an incredible team that work collaboratively with our partners to support young people, giving them every chance to succeed."