YJB publishes AssetPlus evaluation

Following the implementation of AssetPlus, the YJB commissioned an independent evaluation into the outcomes of AssetPlus, the approved, standardised framework for assessment and review of children in the justice system.

The YJB is pleased to publish the AssetPlus outcome evaluation and welcome the challenge and opportunities for continuous improvement that it offers.

Although there were areas where data collection made it difficult for the independent researchers to draw conclusions, there were four main findings, these were that:

• the time taken to complete an AssetPlus assessment is not proportionate to risk and need
• there is limited evidence that AssetPlus has an impact on promoting a child’s strengths and protective factors
• there is some evidence that AssetPlus has an impact on improving compliance with sentences and supervision
• AssetPlus did not have an impact on community safeguarding and public protection incidents or more appropriate use of remand

These findings have been considered alongside known strengths of the AssetPlus framework, including those found in the evaluation, such as the ability to effectively transfer cases between services and the secure estate, and its evidence-based and holistic approach.

These have been fully considered and the following conclusions drawn and actions committed to:

1. AssetPlus provides clear and unique advantages for children on statutory orders in relation to promoting safeguarding, enabling consistency, avoiding duplication and effective information transfer. It therefore remains the standard framework for use in statutory cases.
2. It is acknowledged that, for children subject to out-of-court disposals and diversion programmes, the current AssetPlus framework does not appropriately meet their assessment needs.
3. The YJB will work with colleagues across the sector to develop a standard, appropriate and proportionate tool for the needs of children subject to out of court disposals and diversion programmes.
4. The YJB will work to better align AssetPlus to the principles of Child First, improve the navigation of the framework making it easier and less resource intensive to use.
5. The YJB will consider how AssetPlus can better align with family support and early help assessments.

We look forward to working with youth justice professionals and wider partners to continue to improve AssetPlus to ensure children receive the best possible assessments to support their needs and enable positive outcomes.

Keith Fraser, YJB Chair, said:

This evaluation shows that AssetPlus provides clear advantages for children on statutory orders. Its approach to safeguarding, consistency, avoiding duplication and information transfer cannot be found in any other framework.

However, there are also areas where AssetPlus ‘must’ improve. This is critical if we are to support children and practitioners as well as oversee improvements to the youth justice system.