A three-year plan outlining Walsall’s approach to providing better support for children and young people in the youth justice system will be presented to Cabinet this week.
Councillors will be asked to endorse the Walsall Youth Justice Partnership’s strategic plan brought forward by the council and other agencies such as West Midlands Police, the Probation Service, and the NHS.
The strategy recognises that serious youth violence, and the perception of associated crimes remain a real concern in Walsall.
“ Walsall’s Youth Justice Partnership is absolutely committed to supporting our children and young people in the justice system, and this strategy outlines how we will change young people’s lives for the better.
In the last twelve months, the partnership has reduced first-time entrants into the justice system by 9.2% and we have been praised by HM Inspectors on the positive activities we offer for our children to keep them on the right track.
We’ve pioneered a health and education support model, are leading on a regional project to tackle ethnic disparity in the West Midlands and most importantly, are continuously speaking and listening to what our young people feel they need from us and our partners to improve their outcomes.
A lot of work has already been done, but we’ve still got more to do, and this strategy outlines exactly what we’ll be focusing on long -term, to best support our young people. “
Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning
Walsall Council
The service has used sport and music as a tool to support children in the last 12 months. Young people are given opportunities to get involved with sport, and work with local clubs and organisations to gain coaching and mentoring qualifications. Similarly, using music as a creative outlet has proven to be a real success. Youth Justice workers have teamed up with local artists and producers to provide young people with a safe space to express themselves through music and discuss key issues such as gang and knife crime.
The strategy outlines six key priorities for the next three-years:
Reducing serious youth violence in Walsall
Tackling disproportionality in the justice system
Improving transitions and resettlement
Responding to unmet health and education needs
Amplifying the voice of children in service design and delivery
Data intelligence and insight
The Youth Justice Partnership remains committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and ensuring every child in Walsall is understood, supported, and safe.