AYJ Monthly Newsletter: July 2021
AYJ
NEWS
New AYJ Report: The Youth Justice System’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Literature Review
The Alliance for Youth Justice has published a literature review which aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing policy, practice and research literature about the impacts of COVID-19 on the youth justice system. The report documents the exceptional impacts of the pandemic across each stage of the youth justice system, covering three main areas: children in the community, children in court, and children in custody. It finds that COVID-19 has devastatingly exacerbated the issues faced by children in a youth justice system under severe strain.
The review was produced by the AYJ as part of a series of papers that will be published over the life of The Youth Justice System’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic research project, delivered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), funded by UK Research and Innovation.
The accompanying press release is available here. CYPNow reports on the review here, Russell Webster (Work with Offenders) here, Social Work Today here, and The Canary here. Our tweet thread is available here. Hannah Smithson, Professor of criminology and youth justice at MMU, also wrote for CYPNow on "How YOTs adapted in pandemic", following the publication of a briefing for the project examining the YOT response in Greater Manchester (see last month's newsletter).
We would like to thank all those who have supported the literature review so far. We would also like to provide the opportunity for you to share your general feedback, comments, and thoughts on the new report through this form.
COVID-19 Blog Series: How did the youth justice sector adapt?
To accompany the above report and as part of The Youth Justice System’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic research project, AYJ members have shared their reflections in a series of blogs. We invited our members and the wider youth justice sector to share their experiences of the pandemic and how this impacted their work. Read contributions from Khulisa; Michael O’Connor, Youth Justice Consultant; and Caroline Liggins, Criminal Defence Solicitor, here
Watch: The Young Advocates share their views on Stereotyping; Education and Warning Signs; and Jails
Our Young Advocates had the opportunity to team up with other young people from Juvenis, Milk Honey Bees and Roca Juniors FC to discuss their thoughts on the three priority areas of Stereotyping; Education and Warning Signs; and Jails. You can watch highlights from the day here.
AYJ Director’s mid-year update
AYJ Director, Pippa Goodfellow, writes to update our members, partners and colleagues mid-way through the year, reflecting on our work together so far in 2021 and looking ahead to plans in the coming months.
AYJ is looking for a new Treasurer
We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our Board who shares our vision and values, bringing expertise in finance and accounting in order to maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs and ensure its financial viability. This rewarding and stimulating role is advertised for a period of three years. Find more information and how to apply here.
AYJ Engagement:
Over the last month, the AYJ met with:
Claudia Sturt, the newly appointed CEO of the YJB, and YJB Chair, Keith Fraser.
Helga Swidenbank and other senior officials from the Youth Custody Service.
Holly Lynch MP, the Labour Party’s new Shadow Crime Prevention Minister.
The YJB and Magistrates Association Disparity Working Group.
AYJ Director Pippa Goodfellow was also a guest speaker at the National Violence Reduction Unit Conference which explored a child-first approach to youth justice and also the challenges facing girls in the youth justice system. Pippa presented findings from her PhD research, as well as the Young Women’s Justice Project and The Youth Justice System’s Response to COVID-19 research project. The YJB has published a summary of YJB Chair Keith Fraser's speech at the conference here.
AYJ
VIEWS
Beating Crime Plan
The Government has published its Beating Crime Plan in a mission of “levelling up the country”, which the Prime Minister says combines “prevention, deterrent and enforcement”, and gives more tools to the police force to create “fewer victims” and “peaceful neighbourhoods”.
AYJ has released a comment on the Plan raising concerns that it does not go far enough to tackle the root causes of offending, provide adequate support for children, and address the devastating impacts of COVID-19.
Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre
Following the invoking of the Urgent Notification process at Rainsbrook SecureTraining Centre (STC) last month, the AYJ has been working with our members and partners, as well as corresponding with the Youth Custody Service (YCS) to seek assurances about the impact on children, as well as the longer-term implications for the Youth Secure Estate. Updates include:
The Lord Chancellor has now published his response to the Urgent Notification and YCS has confirmed that all children have now been transferred out of the site.
Provision for girls has been set up in the Keppel Unit in Wetherby YOI as an interim measure while the YCS explores longer-term options. This has required an interim change to the establishments placements policy.
An updated placements policy will go out for consultation later in the year.
The Justice Select Committee has also published the Government’s response to its report into Rainsbrook STC.
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