Regional probation service 'requires improvement' over failure to assess risks to victims
According to the inspection's findings, probation workers had been unable to access enough detailed information to make informed assessments on offenders.
The report found:
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Domestic abuse information was not requested in six out of 50 relevant safeguarding cases
Child safeguarding information was not requested in 8 out of 49 safeguarding cases
Domestic abuse information received was 'insufficient' in 30% of cases
It was also noted the service had experienced difficulty in obtaining information from the Police when the PDU requested more detailed information.
The inspectorate stated: 'Even when practitioners obtained information from these agencies, they did not use it consistently when assessing risk of harm. Disappointingly, too free assessment focused on keeping people safe. Just 50% of cases we inspected clearly identified and analysed risk of harm to others, and just over half of relevant cases (24/47) lacked sufficient analysis of specific concerns and risks to actual and potential victims."
In addition, the inspection graded the PDU's reviewing of progress made by those on probation as inadequate. Probation reviews 'often failed to identify critical changes in circumstances' including new relationships or further offending.
In response to the findings, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'The government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis, placing significant strain on the probation service. We are boosting probation funding by 45%, investing up to £700 million more by 2028, and we are planning to recruit another 1,300 probation officers by March next year.
'This will ensure offenders receive robust supervision and improve the work probation does to keep the public safe.'
On a positive note, inspectors noted a 'clear commitment' to staff development and wellbeing within the PDU and improving workloads. The report also found that probation leaders improved accessibility for people living in rural communities through satellite offices and sharing office space.
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