East Riding Youth Justice Service ‘Outstanding’ Inspection

The Forensic Division at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust are immensely proud to play a central role in East Riding’s Youth Justice Service (YJS), a partnership that has once again been recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by HM Inspectorate of Probation. This achievement represents what true multi‑agency collaboration can deliver for children, families and the wider community.

Bekki Whisker, Clinical Lead in Forensic Community Services at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust said, “I started my career in Youth Justice, and as a division we support the importance of early intervention for young people. This truly multi-agency team ensures smooth transitions and pathways, leading to better outcomes for those in our services.”

Our Trust provides a full‑time dedicated health practitioner embedded within the Youth Justice Service, a level of service not available to all regions. With both practitioner and Board level representation we ensure that health remains a strong and visible part of the partnership arrangements. Our Youth Justice practitioners can also draw on the specialist expertise of our Forensic CAMHS team as part of the Trust’s Forensic Division.

The Youth Justice Service is a multi‑agency partnership with many agencies represented including health, probation, local authority and police, all working together under East Riding Council’s leadership. Our role is to ensure that children’s health and wellbeing needs are understood and integrated into every decision.

Engagement is central to the youth justice service’s success. The inspection recognised that the child‑first, trauma‑informed approach helps children feel heard, respected and involved in shaping their own plans. Our health practitioner plays a vital role in this, helping children to understand their needs and supporting them to access the right services. Inspectors highlighted exceptional work to keep children and communities safe, noting that staff across the partnership demonstrate a deep understanding of risks such as exploitation, mental health vulnerabilities and social isolation. Our contribution ensures that health‑related risks are identified early and addressed collaboratively.

For some young people, needs continue into adulthood. Our involvement ensures that transitions into adult services are smooth, timely and accessible, preventing gaps in care that could increase risk or hinder progress.

Inspectors recognised the sensitive, individualised support provided to victims, and the proactive work undertaken with care‑experienced children, girls and those with SEND or mental health needs. This recognition reflects the dedication of every partner, including our Trust’s commitment to providing consistent, specialist health input.

Leaders across the partnership have celebrated the inspection outcome, highlighting the compassion, professionalism and creativity of the Youth Justice Service. Their comments reflect what we see every day: a team that goes above and beyond for some of the most vulnerable children in East Riding. At Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, we are proud that our contribution has strengthened the service’s ability to understand and respond to the complex needs of children in the justice system. Our partnership with East Riding Council and partner colleagues is built on shared values and a shared commitment to improving lives of young people, carers and family.

This Outstanding inspection is a testament to what can be achieved when health is fully integrated into the delivery of a youth justice service.