That the Torbay Youth Justice Plan 2025-26 be approved and forwarded to the Youth Justice Board.

The Council had a legal duty to produce and approve the Youth Justice Plan under Section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.  Furthermore, approval of the plan was necessary to secure funding from the Youth Justice Board and other statutory partners.

No alternative options were considered.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 2 September 2025 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

Torbay Council was required under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to approve and submit an annual Youth Justice Plan to the Youth Justice Board. The plan had been developed in consultation with partner agencies, staff, service users, and the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board.

The plan outlined how youth justice services were to be delivered and funded in Torbay, with a focus on:

• preventing children from offending
• reducing reoffending
• preventing children from entering custody

The plan followed national guidance from the Youth Justice Board and reflected the Child First approach, which emphasised strengths-based, non-labelling support for children.

At the meeting Councillor Bye proposed and Councillor Chris Lewis seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as set out above.

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