5 July 2011
Successful YJS Reparation Project in Tadcaster

The past year has seen some hard work underway to bring the wildlife area back to life at Riverside Primary School in Tadcaster. Helen Spring, the school Science Leader, has been working alongside Iain Walker, North Yorkshire YJS Reparation Officer, to clear out the overgrowth and build a brand new school pond. Young offenders have worked on the project as reparation to the local community for minor offences, and the local fire crew filled the pond.



Headteacher, Ian Yapp, said ‘this has been a very rewarding project for the school to get involved in, as it has allowed for reparative justice to take place, giving these young people the chance to payback for their misdemeanours in a very direct and hopefully rewarding way.’

Iain Walker agreed, “Our young people have gained a great deal from this project, leaning about working as a team, gaining skills and enjoying being a part of, rather than excluded from their community. That they can look and see what they have accomplished is a great motivator to young people who may not have achieved much before.”

26 January 2011
North Yorkshire welcomes “excellent” youth justice findings

Representatives of the Youth Justice Service in North Yorkshire have welcomed the findings of a report which rates their work at well above the national average in every field.  The report finds that in its safeguarding work - the action to protect young people referred to the service - North Yorkshire scores 80%, compared with a national average of 67%.   Its “Risk of Harm to Others” work (action to protect the public) scores 75%, compared with a national average of 62%.  And its “Likelihood of Re-offending” work scores 77%, compared with the national average of 69%.  “This is an excellent result for North Yorkshire, and demonstrates the professionalism, commitment, and dedication of a service which works in a determined way to help youngsters who fall foul of the law, and to protect members of the public,” said County Councillor Caroline Patmore, the Executive Member for Youth Justice.  The Inspectors found that two-thirds of the sample of children and young people who were dealt with by the North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service thought their lives had got better as a result.  Of eleven victims who took part in the inspection, ten said they were either largely or completely satisfied with the service they received.  “Overall, we consider this a very creditable set of findings,” said Liz Calderdale, the Assistant Chief Inspector.

8 April 2010
Barrowcliffe Spring Clean

Staff and young people from the Youth Justice Service worked with the local community and other groups over Easter to clear and refurbish facilities on the Barrowcliffe estate in Scarborough. Undertaking community reparation is an important step to help young people recognise and face up to their responsibilities, and a wide range of youth reparation projects take place across North Yorkshire.  See www.yjb.gov.uk/MakingGood for more information.

---

15 October 2009
Criminal Justice Board Award for YJS Worker

Judith Smith, YJS Victim Liaison Officer, received a nomination award at the Criminal Justice Board’s “Talking Justice” reception in York, recognising her exceptional service to victims of crime. The award was presented by Sir Duncan Nichol (Chairman of HMCS National Courts Board) and Pete Brown (Chief Probation Officer).

---

15 October 2009
Criminal Justice Board Award for Diversion Initiative

The project team who implemented North Yorkshire’s innovative Youth Restorative Disposal* received a nomination award, also at the Criminal Justice Board’s “Talking Justice” reception in York.   Pictured from left are PC Sara Widdrington, Sgt Jacky Raynor, Sir Duncan Nichol & Chief Inspector Nick Warnes.   * - a Restorative Justice solution for minor youth offending offering swift, positive outcomes for victims and young people.

---

15 May 2009
Community Award for YJS Volunteer

4 March 2009
Youth Justice Service Re-launch Event, Northallerton

John Marsden (right, Chief Executive, North Yorkshire County Council) hosted a re-launch event at County Hall to formally introduce the Youth Justice Service’s new title, website, and logo. Senior Councillors and members of the YJS Management Board met a range of YJS Staff, and viewed promotional material describing the services provided by the YJS.

12 December 2008
Annual Service Conference, York
The full Youth Justice Service staff group came together for a day of teambuilding and training activity. Keynote speeches were given by Paul Nixon (Head of Childrens Social Care, North Yorkshire County Council) and Malcolm Potter (below, Regional Manager, Youth Justice Board).

Paul Carlile gave a presentation on the Restorative Processes initiative taking place in Hull, and the ISSP Team won an inter-team quiz on problem-solving & youth issues!