Notts:Dramatic drop in youth offending rates over a four year period

There were 219 first time youth offenders in 2013-2014 compared to the 954 offenders which were recorded in 2009-2010.

The drop is thanks to Nottinghamshire’s Youth Justice Plan for 2014-2015, which councillors have approved.

The main objectives for the plans are to ensure all children and young people in contact with the youth justice system are receiving appropriate access to education, training or employment.

The council has set up a range of measures outlined in the strategy to take forward as part of a holistic approach over the next 12 months.

Coun Liz Plant Vice-chairman of the children and young peoples’ committee at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “The child is at the centre of what we do and we will work with the child and their family to seek out the best outcome.”

“Working with other teams, departments and partners is key to ensuring that the best outcomes are secured for children and young people.”

“Key factors, such as stable and suitable accommodation, positive and enduring personal relationships, full participation in education or training or employment, feeling safe, secure and loved and a healthy lifestyle free from substance abuse, can drastically improve a child’s ability to integrate into society.

Coun Liz Plant said people should not forget the young person has offended and has caused harm to individuals and communities through their actions.

She added:“Keeping individual victims and the public safe will always therefore remain an equal priority of our work, and ensuring the victims have a voice and are listened too is an important aspect of our work.”

The council believe youth offending programmes are important because they want to help young offender understand and stop the cycle of offending.

Reoffending rates in Nottinghamshire have also reduced by 3.6 per cent since 2009 and the figure now sits at 26.3 per cent.