The Alliance for Youth Justice of England and Wales has published a briefing explaining the necessary changes that policymakers should take to improve the youth justice system.
The 32-page document meticulously analyses the current situation that the system finds itself in and it highlights changes that need to be prioritised. The main issues tackled by the briefing are the safeguarding of vulnerable children, the removal of racial injustice and the guarantee that custody measures are a last resort.
4 key recommendations have been made in the briefing, highlighting the necessary changes to prevent further harm to children.
1. Create a department for Children, led by a Secretary of State, to be held responsible for the treatment of vulnerable children and to ensure they are viewed differently to adults who are involved in the justice system.
2. Invest in communities and use preventative measures to support children before escalation happens. The aim is to ensure that interactions with the system protect the child as result and embedding child-centred policing.
3. Formulate a plan to combat racial discrimination, before, during and after contact with the justice system. Focus on the removal of marginalisation, criminalisation and mistreatment of children.
4. Create a long-term strategy to keep children out of custody and encourage the closure of Young Offenders Institutions and related services. AYJ recommends creating a clear restrictive legislative framework to minimise the use of custody.