Risk errors over young offenders

Andrew Bridges, chief inspector of probation, said "drastic improvement" was needed after the "extremely disappointing" findings in North Lincolnshire.

Only 51 per cent of the screenings for a risk of serious harm were accurate and, of the 15 full assessments completed on time, only four were good enough, the inspectors said.

The risk to victims and the offenders' previous behaviour were often not fully considered, they found.

The probation staff also failed to issue a timely notification or referral in four of the most serious cases.

The inspectors added that the risk of harm had not been effectively managed in seven out of 10 cases and all reasonable action had not been taken to keep the child or young person safe in 13 out of 20 cases. The inspectors' findings were among the worst in England and Wales, with the lowest scores in all three key areas.