AYJ comment on HMI Prisons’ reports Children in Custody 2023-24 and Feltham A YOI Independent Review of Progress

AYJ CEO Jess Mullen reflects on the importance of this year’s Black History Month theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ for Black and racially minoritised children in, or at risk of involvement in, the youth justice system

Longford prize winners Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association (JENGbA) share a quest blog as a new AYJ member, about the harms of joint enterprise and the change needed

As part of our project exploring the experiences of young people transitioning into adulthood whilst in the justice system, the AYJ team visited the Youth to Adult Hub in Newham, London, to learn about the pilot approach to probation

For our project exploring the experiences of young people transitioning into adulthood while in the justice system, we spoke to Sammy, founder of Wipers Youth CIC, about the organisation’s critical work with children and young people

Saqib Deshmukh reflects on all that he’s learned and enjoyed this year as he departs from his role as AYJ’s Interim CEO.

AYJ Policy Manager Millie Harris reflects on the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)’s report on the UK’s performance on it’s international obligations on children’s rights, which calls out the Government for a lack of progress on youth justice.

We speak with Agnes Wootton, Re-Frame Service Manager at With You, about the importance of the programme for vulnerable children, and the research behind it.

The AYJ’s Interim CEO Saqib Deshmukh reflects on the findings of Baroness Casey’s independent review into the standards of behaviour and internal culture of the Metropolitan Police Service.

As part of the AYJ’s project in which we work to understand the experiences of children transitioning into the adult justice system, we speak with Leroy Logan MBE about the significance of research, discussion and policy focus in this area.

We speak with Raymond Lyons - IFJ member, nurse, Registered and Court Appointed Intermediary - about why children have so many obstacles to communication and equity throughout their contact with the Youth Justice System.

Saqib Deshmukh shares his thoughts on the values underpinning our new Strategy: Reimagining justice for children and young people

The AYJ speaks with Charlie Sutton, co-ordinator and social researcher for new research on ‘context sensitive preventative interventions’ within youth justice.

As Black History Month draws to a close, our Policy and Communications Officer Mia Edwards reflects on the historic roots and present-day manifestations of racial disparity in the youth justice system.

Saqib Deshmukh, our Interim CEO, shares his thoughts on the AYJ’s present progress and future plans.

Jennifer Downie and Ben Twomey of NYAS discuss the impact of COVID-19 on children in secure children’s homes, increased strains on welfare placements, and the future of secure care post-pandemic.

Dr Anne-Marie Day, Lecturer in Criminology at Keele University, discusses the right for children to be treated as children in custody and calls for a higher standard of care for these children, most of whom go into the harmful and abusive custody environment when they are at crisis point.

Dr Laura Janes, Youth Justice lawyer and campaigner, discusses the isolation, mental health challenges and loss of essential life experiences and education endured by children in the secure estate during COVID-19.

“I have long been drawn to a career in which I can amplify the voices of those who often go unheard, and facilitate their empowerment as real changemakers in confronting injustice.”

Winston Goode, CEO and Founder of Juvenis, discusses their DIVERT Youth programme and the components which make up successful diversion including a multi-agency approach, mental health support, and long-term funding which prioritses relationship-building and family and community connections.