
Read moreĬlissold Park splash pad is back this month as it reopens for the summer.With a tipping bucket, water fountains and sprays, there’s fun for all children under the age of 16. It also recommends a review of the current approach to resettlement and the application of the learning from this, with the intention of reducing the disproportionate representation of Black children subject to custodial sentences.You can review the Council’s anti-racism journey here.

I could not ask for a better YJS worker or a better social worker.”The report, which followed a two-week-long inspection earlier this year, conducted jointly with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue and the Care Quality Commission, also made six recommendations including that the service improves the quality of planning and the oversight of work with children, particularly those dealt with post-court, to keep them safe. He is a positive role model, and he gets things done.

He is consistent and makes my son feel valid.

He has been with us every step of the way and he has formed a really positive relationship with my son, which is helping him to move forward. One parent told inspectors: “The YJS worker is fantastic. I look forward to watching them develop further.”His report praised the service for:Putting the voice of the children and their families at the centre of its workActively seeking to build confidence and trust in the criminal justice systemThe focus on identity and heritage in its work with children, delivered by staff who mirror the local population. Its knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled group of managersThe passion staff demonstrated in their work with the children, supported by feedback from children and their parents or carers Understanding the diverse needs of children The highest standard of work to resettle children from custody back into the community.Children and their parents/carers were interviewed as part of the review.

This is a service unafraid to tackle the issues children face, not least racism and disproportionate representation, and make positive changes. An inspection of the youth justice service in Hackney has recognised the service for its ‘powerful anti-racist’ stance and bid to reduce the number of Black and Global Majority children impacted by racism in the justice system. Inspectors from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation made the comments as part of their report into the Hackney Youth Justice Service, which was, this week, awarded an overall rating of ‘Good’.The service, managed by a board made up of senior representatives, including its Cabinet Member for youth justice from Hackney Council, Police, Probation, Courts as well as health teams and Hackney CVS, was rated on the quality of the work done with children who have been sentenced at court and those that are diverted from the youth justice system, as well as on leadership, staffing and facilities.More than 86% of children who enter the criminal justice system in Hackney are Black, Asian or Global Majority, despite only representing 62 per cent of those aged 0-19 in the local population. Inspectors were particularly impressed by the ‘unambiguous and assertive commitment to make anti-racism the foundation of practice with children and families.’ Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “Hackney Youth Justice Service is a strong and passionate team who are determined to do all they can to improve the lives of the children they supervise.
