Congratulations Torbay Area Partnership

Congratulations Torbay Area Partnership: SEND Quality Lead Redesignation with Child First Commendation

TORBAY Youth Justice Service (YJS), in collaboration with its multi-agency partners, has proudly achieved Youth Justice Quality Lead status with a Child First Commendation, reflecting its commitment to inclusive, proactive, and needs-led practice across the youth justice pathway.

A standout achievement lies in preventative work, where the service has demonstrated exemplary proactive information exchange and planning. Through strengthened partnerships between LA SEND, Social Care, Health, LAC Teams, and the YOT, early identification of young people at risk of entering the youth justice system has become a shared responsibility. Initiatives such as Missing Mondays, Fair Access Panels, and Out of Court Panels—attended by YOT, Social Workers, Police, and Exploitation Workers—have enabled timely interventions. Regular multi-agency meetings, including the 6-weekly ETE forum and termly SDC reviews, ensure that vulnerable young people are supported before issues escalate. Case studies, such as AE, highlight successful diversion from exclusion and offending, showcasing the impact of this joined-up approach.

The Area Partnership has also excelled in responding to high-level or previously unidentified needs. When assessments reveal complex SEND or unmet SEN support needs, the service swiftly negotiates interim support packages, often in collaboration with the Vulnerable Pupils team. The involvement of Educational Psychologists and SENDIASS ensures that young people receive timely assessments and advocacy.

The Transitions Panel plays a vital role in overseeing planning for young people aged 14+, ensuring continuity of care and support. Case studies, including JB, illustrate how bespoke interventions have led to improved outcomes and recognition at senior levels.

These achievements reflect a culture of early intervention, collaborative problem-solving, and child-centred planning. The YJS’s ability to integrate education, health, and social care perspectives into youth justice practice has not only reduced first-time offending rates but also ensured that young people with complex needs are met with compassion, expertise, and coordinated support.

Reaching the Youth Justice Quality Lead standard with a Child First Commendation is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and partnership ethos embedded in Torbay’s youth justice system. It celebrates a service that places young people’s needs, voices, and futures at the heart of its mission.