YJB TOOLKITS: Disproportionality YJB owner: Sue Walker Dept: Performance May (2011) Version 1.0

Introduction YJB toolkits draw together resources & materials to enable Youth Justice Partnerships (YJPs) to identify & address areas of under-achievement, risk or change. The toolkits can be used in full or ‘dipped in to’. This slide pack walks the user through the full application of the toolkit, which includes: an analysis of the relevant cohort or issue, the identification of specific areas in need of improvement the selection of potential solutions planning, and, evaluation This process is supported by a range of tools and materials in toolkits ‘materials’ and ‘tools’ folders. Note: If this is your first time using a YJB toolkit, please read the Introductory Slide Pack on the toolkits home page which explains how to get the best out of them

Background Why was the toolkit developed? This toolkit was developed following a variety of requests from YOTs and in recognition that addressing issues of disproportionality within the Youth Justice System is central to YOT’s performance. How was the toolkit developed? Two regions were identified as having the most significant issues with disproportionality. They were asked to invite two YOTs each to be involved in a pilot. Case level data analysis was undertaken, followed by a case file sampling exercise and a series of staff interviews. A toolkit was developed using all the information gathered. Who is the toolkit for? Operationally-linked management leads within YOTs. Findings from the toolkit applicable across the Youth Justice Partnership.

What’s in the toolkit? Disproportionality Toolkit Introductory slide pack Tools Assess and Improve Document Summary level data tool (Excel) Case level data tool (Excel) File sampling template Supporting materials Research – Working with BME Young Offenders Disproportionality Health Check List Disproportionality Forum (example presentation)

Objectives and benefits To make sure interventions are specific and can be measured, it is useful to identify the objectives and benefits you want to achieve from the start. Below are examples of ones identified in developing this toolkit. ObjectivesMeasures The YOT has a better understanding of their data in relation to disproportionality and respond to any imbalance. Reduction of disproportional representation of BME young people in the YJS. BenefitsMeasures The YOT is able to demonstrate they are proactive in their delivery of services, conscious of influences yet aware of differing needs. Evaluation of the YOT services/interventions, including users.

1. Initial analysis: Overview The initial analysis involves 3 steps which are explained on the following slides. These include:

1.1 Initial Analysis: Summary Level Data Analysis Disproportionality is identified as an issue for the YOT through the: Disproportionality Summary Level Data tool, YOT self assessment Performance profiling, Partner awareness (partner agencies bring an issue to the management board). The YOT can then access the “Disproportionality Tool” via

1.2 Initial analysis: Completing the Summary level data tool The Summary level data tool is an Excel spreadsheet where YJPs can enter details of their YOT population. The tool will produce graphs comparing the YOT population with their local population. This will enable the YOT to identify if disproportionality exists and also in which ethnic minority group the disproportionality lies If disproportionality appears to be an issue, then proceed to the next step.

1.3 Initial Analysis: Completing the Case level data tool To enable further analysis, the YOT may now wish to complete the Case level data tool with a cohort of their choice (flagged as significant by the Summary tool). Full completion of the chosen cohort automatically generates a number of graphs. The graphs produced may illustrate, for example: –performance trends –demographic trends –signposting of potential gaps in provision. These graphs can now be analysed further to gain a clear picture of the demographic characteristics in relation to disproportionality. Use of the case file sampling tool will now assist in ‘drilling down’ to seek potential causes for disproportionality (in ‘Tools’ folder)

2. Identify assessment and improvement areas The Toolkit AID (Assess and Improve Document) for Disproportionality identifies 9 common reasons for under-achievement, areas requiring risk management or areas requiring change Note: these are not exhaustive – you may well identify others.

3. Select potential improvement solutions From the steps you have taken so far to identify the potential causes for under-achievement / areas for change - select those possible solutions that are most relevant to your local situation. The improvement suggestions provided within the AID, are those that feedback from YJPs have shown to be most useful. Note: these improvement suggestions are not exhaustive – you may well identify others.

4. Plan and implement The planning and implementation of solutions to address disproportionality performance or achieve change, should aim to take account of: The impact of current performance – how poor / good is it; how great a change is needed to achieve your desired level of performance? YJP capacity and capability to implement change – how great a priority is this for you now; what resources are you willing to invest? National/local iniatives and key performance drivers – what is the local context for disproportionality; where are the key opportunities and threats to improvement? Can solutions link with existing action plans – it’s possible that one initiative could improve a range of areas?

5. Evaluation It’s important to set up monitoring and evaluation systems at the start of the work in order to be able to track progress. Key elements of this process include: –using the measures of your objectives and benefits to track progress –reviewing, resetting goals and planning in the light of your findings –agreeing an end point i.e. at what stage will this area of work go back to being ‘business as usual’ allowing you to focus on something else in more detail?

Top Tip: Measuring and realising your benefits Create a disproportionality reporting mechanism for operational managers and partners. Include trend analysis based upon the excel collation tool (feedback to all staff grades and partners) Seek to include an awareness of disproportionality across all key areas of YOT delivery i.e. induction. training, quality assurance, commissioning services etc

What did you think of the toolkit? We value your opinions and experiences in using this toolkit to inform our quality assurance and improvement cycle Please complete the short questionnaire upon completion, located at (sending instructions are located at the closing section of the questionnaire)

Contact For any initial queries or suggestions please contact your YJB Wales/Regional Team at: