‘Significant improvements’ acknowledged within Bridgend Youth Justice Service following inspection

Following an inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation, Bridgend County Borough Council is pleased that significant improvements within the Bridgend Youth Justice Service (BYJS) have been acknowledged

BYJS is a multi-agency team that works with children aged between 10 and 17-years-old who have offended, or who are at risk of offending. The team also supervises children with complex needs, and those who are under the care of the local authority.

While the service overall has been judged as ‘requiring improvement’, the staffing arrangements, information and facilities received a ‘good’ rating. Staff were also praised for their excellent ‘Building Skills’ project – which provides children with workplace skills and improves their confidence and self-esteem.

The service was also commended for its ‘significant improvement in a short space of time’, as BYJS began operating in 2019 after its predecessor Western Bay Youth Justice and Early Intervention Service was disbanded after receiving an ‘inadequate’ rating in 2018.

The HMIP Inspection Team found that improvements were required in relation to governance and leadership, and partnership and services.

There will also be a focus on enhancing the planning and delivery of child safety and well-being.

While the Bridgend Youth Justice Service has significantly improved in the last few years, we must not underestimate the challenges that the service has faced, and that its excellent staff members continue to face. We must work together with the local health board and other partners to address the issue of children’s mental health to ensure we deliver the support each and every child requires.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help Cllr Jane Gebbie