Morning, Monday, 24th June 2024
Online
This conference will discuss next steps for youth justice in England and Wales.
It will be an opportunity to discuss key issues at a time of heightened focus on these issues in the run up to the General Election.
Delegates will assess the implementation and effectiveness of the NPCC Child Gravity Matrix Framework published last year, the tool used to assist in decisions for the most appropriate outcome for children, taking into account the offence committed and mitigating circumstances.
Further sessions include discussion on strategies for prevention and diversion away from the youth justice system, including improving attainment and access to education, supporting SEND provision, developing multi-agency coordination, and priorities for safeguarding and supporting vulnerable groups. It comes with heightened concerns from some stakeholders on the availability of support facilities such as youth clubs or wider diversion schemes.
The conference follows the recent publication of the Youth Justice Board’s Strategic Plan 2024-2027 which sets out the Board’s vision for a Child First youth justice system. We expect discussion to bring out latest thinking on approaches for addressing challenges identified in the plan, including changes to society brought about by the pandemic, increased use and misuse of technology, a rise in inequalities, and cost of living pressures, as well as priorities for reducing inequalities, supporting victims of crime, and meeting children’s unmet needs. We also expect discussion on priorities for the YJB, with a planned review by the Cabinet Office of its role.
Further sessions examine the conditions and outcomes of youth custody. Areas for discussion include priorities for the opening of new secure schools, following the joint thematic inspection of work with children subject to remand in youth detention from the HM Inspectorate of Probation, which found that three quarters of young people awaiting sentence are remanded in custody, and the subsequent publication of the Government’s Action Plan.
Keynote speakers who have agree to take part include: Sarah Mackie, Head of Youth Sentencing, Remand, Courts and Criminal Record Policy, Ministry of Justice; Sharon Gray, Board Member, Youth Justice Board for England and Wales; Helen Davies, Head of Thematic and Joint Inspection, HM Inspectorate of Probation; and Steve Chalke MBE, Founder, Oasis UK. We are re-confirming the availability of speakers in the pre-election period.
The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues in the presence of key policy officials who are due to attend from CPS; DfE; GLD; HMPPS; Home Office; Judicial Office; MOJ; DWP; NAO; YJB; and the Welsh Government - as well as a parliamentary pass-holder from the House of Commons.
