The Ofsted report published today highlights again the desperate need for specialist resettlement support services to help integrate young custody leavers back into their communities. 'Transitions through Detention & Custody' documents the challenges that exist in transferring crucial information between the youth justice agencies. The report evaluates the range and effectiveness of the arrangements for education and training

Christine Gilbert, Ofsted's Chief Inspector said, 'Young people moving through the youth justice system need well coordinated education training and support if they are to reintegrate into the community. But too often information about young people entering and leaving secure establishments is not good enough to enable organisations to plan effectively and meet there needs.'

The report's key findings stated that young people transferred between establishments where often unable to complete programmes they had started, the Asset assessment contained insufficient information on learning and attainment, arrangements for young people to continue their education and training on release were unsatisfactory, and most importantly problems in finding suitable accommodation for young people had a negative impact on their opportunities for education and training.

Amidst doubts as to the YJB's future, the report recommended that the agency should support and challenge YOTs and local authorities and continue to improve the quality, accuracy and timeliness of information to support young people's education. Ofsted also recommend that local authorities should develop a national statutory plan to be completed for each young person as they move through the criminal justice system.

(see Transitions report in the library section)