All young offenders aged 10 to 17 who are on court orders with the
YOS have to take part in activities which contribute to the community.
Helen Pointon, a reparation officer at
YOS, said: "Giving up a Saturday morning to pick up litter wouldn't be most 15-year-olds' idea of a good time.
Now
YOS is calling for people aged 18 or over to join the referral panels, which were set up three years ago to involve ordinary people in the justice system.
Crime victims were also asked their views on the service they receive from
YOS as they are kept informed of the offender's progress, and the report says there were high levels of satisfaction.
At the end of the course, which is being run by
YOS staff and Paul Guyver from the fire service, a passing out parade will be held and the youngsters will receive certificates.
The work has now been unveiled at the
YOS headquarters in Greyfriars Lane, Coventry city centre.
The scheme is being run by
YOS and relationship counselling charity Relate, using cash from the Coventry Community Safety Partnership, an umbrella organisation bringing together different organisations to combat crime.
Seven inspectors will spend a total of seven days at the
YOS headquarters in Christchurch House, Greyfriars Lane, city centre.
In one case highlighted by inspectors, a young person received a caution for GBH despite having a history of committing violent offences, while in another
YOS staff failed to assess the risk that a thief's family would encourage further crime despite the boy's father being his co-defendant.
Mr Russell said: "A high number of young people known to the
YOS are not in education or training, and children are offending at times when they should be in school.
Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: "Our inspection found education provision is poor for children known to the
YOS, and it has not had the strategic attention that it merits.
Mr Russell added: "A high number of young people known to the
YOS are not in education or training, and children are offending at times when they should be in school.