Cumbria Youth offending Service consists of a diverse range of staff; some are directly employed County Council staff, and others are seconded our partner agencies (Police, Probation, Health, Children's Services [Education and Social Care), and Connexions). The Service provides support and interventions to a range of individuals. Primarily these are young people aged 10 to 17 years of age who have committed criminal offences. However, through the prevention element of our service, our work with parents and carers, and our restorative justice interventions our work extends to a range of people involved in, or affected by, youth crime. Overall the Youth Justice Services delivered by the Youth Offending Service include:
- preventative work, aimed at reducing the numbers of young people who become caught up in the criminal justice system;
- professional advice and the preparation of reports for court;
- the assessment and supervision of young offenders;
- support for the parents of young offenders, and
- restorative work between offenders and the victims of youth crime
As with other County Council Departments, the Yos operates an appraisal system, which assists in identifying individual's training and development needs. We also provide in house training (in 2005-06 this has included Effective Case Recording, Management of Risk, and, Assessment). We are also able to access the wider County Council's Corporate and Departmental training courses. Alongside this we take advantage of the national Youth Justice Board's events, which are held in the North West region and provide training in a range of practice areas. Finally we support the professional development of our staff by supporting them to undertake the Youth Justice Board's "Professional Certificate in Effective Practice". Since 2004 we have supported over 20 people to undertake this award.
For further information (and links to other relevant sites) please visit our site.
Deb Royston - Performance Manager
Hi
My name is Deb Royston. I am the Performance Manager for Cumbria Youth Offending Service. I have been employed in this post since October 2001. My job involves collating performance information for the Service, analysing and reporting on it, and trying to identify ways that we can improve our performance.
For me, the benefits of working for the County Council come in many guises. The flexi time system is probably top on my list, ensuring we provide the right level of service for the public and our partners, but allowing a flexible approach that means it is not solely a “9 to 5” routine.
It might seem like stating the obvious, but working in Cumbria is a benefit in itself. I can be frustrated when having to make the journey from home to Kendal, or from Penrith to Workington on A66; but I then take a moment to look around and think- “I’d rather be doing this than sitting in traffic trying to get across a big city!!”
Joanne Browne
My name is Joanne Browne and I work in the West Division of the Cumbria Youth Offending Service. I have been in this role for nearly a year, but have worked for the County Council for 6 years.
I really enjoy my job. It is so varied and my duties take me through a wide spectrum of roles. I engage with young people who have offended to address issues that will prevent them re-offending, liaising with other agencies to ensure that a quality service is given to young people, deliver parenting programmes to parents and carers and I also represent the Youth Offending Service in the Youth Magistrates Courts.
This position allows me to meet lots of new people from varying backgrounds and disciplines. An experience which I value and continue to learn from.
Working for Cumbria County Council is great. The flexible working conditions enable me to enjoy working full time, while allowing me the flexibility to fit family commitments into my day. I feel secure working for the County Council knowing that should I require support, advice or training that there is a way to access this either through my Line Manager or from the County Council themselves.