The YOS works with offenders aged between 10 and 17

Andrew Bridges, the chief inspector of probation, criticised Powys Youth Offending Service (YOS) in a report.

But Mr Bridges also said his inspection found that some staff were committed to working with children and young people.

Powys Council, joint managers of the YOS, said "significant improvements" had been achieved since the inspection.

It took place between April and June last year, a year after Powys YOS was formed. Until then it was known as Mid Wales Youth Offending Team (YOT).

The YOS works with young people aged 10 - 17 who are offending or at risk of offending.

'Staff morale'

Mr Bridges said: "We found a team that had been under-resourced, and lacking leadership and direction, since its establishment as the Mid Wales YOT in 2000.

"Furthermore, little positive change had been accomplished following its reformation as the Powys YOS in April 2005, despite the considerable efforts made by the YOS manager who was appointed in August 2005.

"The YOS's history had had a negative impact on staff morale and, in turn, on its performance.

"Nevertheless, we saw individual staff committed to working with children and young people, with some good examples of innovative and constructive work."

He added that there would be a "follow-up visit" within a year.

Powys Council, part of the multi-agency team responsible for the YOS, said all the agencies involved had accepted the findings of the report.

A spokesman said: "Significant improvements have been achieved since the inspection occurred between April and June of last year and have started to produce identifiable results.

"The joint management team are confident that further improvements can be achieved in the near future."