AYJ Monthly Newsletter: March 2022
AYJ
NEWS
NEW AYJ POLICY BRIEFING: A perfect storm for children at risk? Preventing a post-pandemic surge in the criminalisation of children
This month AYJ published the first of three policy briefings produced by the AYJ as part of the UKRI-funded Impact of COVID-19 on Youth Justice project, delivered in partnership with the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies (MCYS) at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). This policy briefing examined the significant risk of a surge in the number of children drawn into the youth justice system following the pandemic, highlighting a ‘perfect storm’ for children at risk, as a result of the exacerbation of children’s vulnerabilities, support services being under severe strain, and the complex and challenging policy context. We argue that strong leadership and co-ordinated action are required to address the impacts of the pandemic. We call for a cross-government strategy to ensure vulnerable children are at the heart of policy and practice, and concerted efforts to maximise diversion of children to positive pathways outside of the justice system.
Read the full policy briefing here.
The publication was reported on in CYPNow, The Justice Gap, Social Work Today, the Morning Star and Work with Offenders. AYJ would like to thank all who were involved in the briefing and who provided their invaluable input and support.
A series of expert blogs also accompanied the briefing, each with their own findings and calls to action:
Anne Longfield, Chair of the Commission on Young Lives: Prioritising vulnerable children and families for action and support. Read more
StopWatch: The neglected realities of child stop and search. Read more
Centre for Justice Innovation: Breaking down barriers to diversion after COVID-19. Read more
Juvenis/DIVERT Youth: Offering hope and care in youth diversion. Read more
EVENT: Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on the Youth Justice System
MCYS and AYJ will be hosting an event on Wednesday 27th April to present the research findings in relation to the impact of COVID-19 on the courts, community and custody. It will provide an opportunity for delegates to discuss the findings and their own experiences of how the pandemic has impacted their work and the future of the youth justice system. Find out more and register to attend for free in person at MMU or online here.
“We’ve not given up”: Young Women’s Justice Project Final Report
AYJ launched new research with Agenda, the alliance for women and girls at risk, on young women’s pathways into the justice system, finding that without immediate attention, girls and young women will remain marginalised and locked in a cycle of harm, inequality, and re-offending. To end this cycle of harm, decision-makers must work to rebuild girls’ and young women’s trust in systems and services, recognise the realities of their lives, and value their input. Read the full report here. Also find coverage from The Guardian here, and Russell Webster here.
5 years on from the Youth Custody Improvement Board – where are we now?
The 24th February marked 5 years since the Youth Custody Improvement Board (YCIB) published their findings and recommendations – but the children’s secure estate continues to be mired in crisis. AYJ shares the results of a Freedom of Information Request, and explores progress to date in implementing the board’s recommendations and what further action is required here.
YOUNG ADVOCATES EVENT: “Young Advocates for Youth Justice: Setting the Agenda for Children and Young People in the Youth Justice System” – HMPPS Insights 2022
As part of HMPPS Insights 2022, the Young Advocates will be leading discussions which explore how to ensure children and young people are at the heart of objectives and influencing. The event will take place online on Thursday 12th May, 12pm – 1.30pm. Register here.
AYJ
VIEWS
AYJ supports CRAE and Just for Kids Law’s response to the governments Human Rights Act Reform
The Government published its plans to revise the Human Rights Act 1998 and replace it with a Bill of Rights. AYJ supported a consultation response by AYJ members the Children’s Rights Alliance for England (CRAE) and Just for Kids Law (JfKL), along with many more organisations including our members The Children’s Society, Become, NYAS, and New Horizon Youth Centre.
The response makes clear that the proposals will significantly weaken rights for children and make enforcing them more difficult, and urges the Government to carry out a child rights impact assessment. The response argues that the Human Rights Act already works well, with the necessary checks and balances, and the case has not been made for the changes.
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