AYJ Monthly Newsletter: February, March, April 2023
AYJ
News
NEW REPORT!: Evidence Review - “Young people in transition in the criminal justice system”
As part of a three-year project on transition into adulthood funded by the Barrow Cadbury Trust, we have published an evidence review summarising the policy context and existing evidence on young people turning 18 in the criminal justice system. The review explores this transition via the project’s three main themes: racial injustice, safeguarding and exploitation, and custody. It highlights a “steep cliff edge” at 18 during which support drops off, exacerbating vulnerabilities and leaving young people at risk of continued involvement in crime. Read the evidence review and executive summary here, and accompanying news piece here. Also read this blog in conversation with Leroy Logan MBE about the significance of research, discussion and policy focus surrounding young people transitioning into the adult justice system.
EXPERT SEMINAR: Transitions Project: Racial Injustice
The first thematic focus of the 'Young People in Transition in the Criminal Justice System' project (see above) is racial injustice. We will be holding an expert seminar with practitioners and policy professionals to examine the experiences of racially minoritised young people transitioning into adulthood while in contact with the justice system, and develop recommendations for policymakers. We are particularly interested in exploring the role of the specialist voluntary and community sector in supporting racially minoritised young people in the justice system, looking to gain insight from a range of experts. The seminar will be held on Wednesday 7th June, 14:00-17:00, in London and online. Please email mia.edwards@ayj.org.uk if you would like to know more.
We are also speaking to children and young people about their experiences of transitioning into the adult justice system; please get in touch at mia.edwards@ayj.org.uk if you know any children and young people who might be interested in sharing their expertise.
CONSULTATION: Young Advocates Peer Research
In the coming weeks, the Young Advocates are hosting peer-led consultations with those aged 14-21 across England and Wales with experience of the justice system, to gain insight into their views and experiences on the topics of policing and criminalisation. The consultations will be held at locations and slots that suit participants, with the option for sessions to take place online. Recommendations will feed into work and engagement with decision makers at the local and national levels. If you work with children and young people who would like to take part, please contact amania@leaders-unlocked.org. The AYJ has written a blog on the Young Advocates' peer research process and progress, and CYPNow reports on their research.
COMMUNICATIONS: We have launched our Instagram account!
Through this account, we will share updates about the AYJ and the activities of the Young Advocates. We will also share wider news, definitions, explanations and events in the youth justice sector. You can find and follow our Instagram account at: @ayj_gram
OUR 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: A note from our Interim CEO Saqib Deshmukh
February marked 2 years since we launched as the AYJ! Our Interim CEO Saqib Deshmukh reflects on our achievements over the last year.
AYJ
Views
COMMENT: The strip search of children in England and Wales
AYJ Interim CEO Saqib Deshmukh has commented on the publication of “deeply disturbing” data from the Children’s Commissioner for England on the strip search of children in England and Wales.
BLOG: AYJ Interim CEO Saqib Deshmukh reflects on the Casey Review’s findings
Saqib Deshmukh discusses the implications of Baroness Casey’s independent review into the standards of behaviour and internal culture of the Metropolitan Police Service.
REPORT: AYJ joins coalition of children’s charities warning the UN that children’s rights have worsened in England
The final report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, as part of its examination of the UK, has been published. The AYJ joined 97 children’s charities from across England to warn that critical children’s rights issues must be urgently addressed by the UK Government to prevent worsening impacts on the most vulnerable children. Read our comment, and find the full press release from the Children’s Rights Alliance for England, here.
BLOG: AYJ in conversation with Intermediaries for Justice
We spoke with Agnes Wootton, Re-Frame Service Manager at We Are With You, about the importance of the programme for vulnerable children in contact with the justice system, and the research behind it.
ENGAGEMENT:
AYJ members' meeting: We hosted a meeting between our members and Ed Cornmell, Executive Director of the Youth Custody Service.
Ministry of Justice: We met with senior officials at the Ministry of Justice youth justice policy unit as part of our regular engagement.
Youth Justice Legal Centre: AYJ Interim CEO Saqib Deshmukh spoke at the Youth Justice Legal Centre's event 'Strip searching children - is it ever permissable?', discussing the community response to the case of Child Q, and the lack of available police data on the strip searching of children.
BBC News: AYJ Interim CEO Saqib Deshmukh was part of a panel on BBC 5Live discussing the strip searching of children and the Casey Review, and was interviewed on BBC News regarding the strip searching of children.