7.2.10 Safeguarding and Risk Assessment |
Contents
1. Background
The YOT operates within the strategic and operational procedures and policies of the Local Safeguarding Board (LSCB) from 1st January this will become the Children and Young People’s Safeguarding Board as a sub-group of the Children and Young People’s Trust.
The Head of Youth Offending Services (HOS) is a member of this group and is accountable and reports on all YOT safeguarding issues.
2. Child Protection
The YOT operates within the Brighton & Hove Chid Protection Procedures and Operational Instructions for Children, Families and Schools. Specific sections are included on Youth Offending and the Youth Justice System (Operational Instructions are currently being updated).
All YOT practitioners and management Staff receive training in Child Protection work, and particularly through work on Final Warnings may be visiting families and young people who are not in contact with other services.
3. Risk Management
ASSET is the prime assessment tool used by practitioners to identify risk and includes triggers to further risk of harm assessments. Links between this and the new common assessment framework are currently being developed and will require further training.
The YOT links locally to the Multi-Agency Management Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) with standing invites to MAPPP and RAM meetings locally. The HOS also represents the Sussex YOTs on the MAPPA strategic group.
The YOT operates within the YJB Serious Incidents Policy and would notify the YJB and relevant parties.
The construct of the multi-agency YOT is built upon individual needs and risk assessments, triggering appropriate interventions to reduce risk and potential harm.
As part of the local Prolific and Other Priority Offender Strategy (PPO), the YOT is targeting resources at those most at risk of offending with systems in place for identification and monitoring. With lead responsibility for the Prevent and Deter strand, this includes a range of targeted prevention activity across the City.
The YOT is a key member of the Anti-Social Behaviour Planning process, with monthly meetings identifying and targeting activity on those at risk.
Risk of harm to Staff is managed through a Lone Working Policy, Health and Safety policies and procedures within the Council and other agencies.
Police and other checks are carried out on all YOT employees and volunteers in line with Brighton & Hove Council policies and procedures.
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