AYJ Director, Pippa Goodfellow, reflects on the process of relaunching as the Alliance of Youth Justice (AYJ). She outlines the reasons for revisiting and refreshing the organisation’s purpose, activities and objectives - to lay strong foundations to achieve greater engagement and impact in the future.

Our Director Pippa Goodfellow writes to wish our members, partners and colleagues a Happy New Year, reflecting on our work together through 2020 and looking ahead to plans for 2021.

“Girls and young women are in a particularly unique position in the criminal justice system. As a minority due to both their age and gender, they are consistently overlooked in a system predominantly designed for men and understanding around the needs and requirements of girls and young women is frequently neglected in research, policy and practice.

“From schools closing to social isolation, there is no question that children in England are being severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Children involved with the youth justice system are facing unique challenges at this trying time, including some being locked up for nearly 23 hours a day in detention training centres.

“Hello everyone! I’m Millie, the new Communications Assistant at the SCYJ. I am joining the SCYJ out of my dedication to holistically support vulnerable young people facing adversity, and also to help address the gross overrepresentation of BAME children and young people in the youth justice system (YJS).

“I have always been keen to bridge gaps between underrepresented groups and those making the decisions that have such a significant impact on their lives. Growing up in Brixton and seeing many of those close to me affected by the criminal justice system (CJS) led me to study Criminology at university.