Response: Charlie Taylor’s review of the youth justice system and the Government’s response
We welcome the Charlie Taylor review of the youth justice system and the government’s response. We agree with the principles stated by, and implicit in, Taylor’s work, and with many of his recommendations. A number of the government’s commitments set out in its response are welcome; however, we are disappointed that it has not gone further and that it has failed to respond to some of Taylor’s proposals at all.
The areas in which we would welcome a full response from the government include:
Devolution of custody budgets
All local authorities, health and police having diversion schemes
Taylor’s recommendations on police custody and children’s panels
More focus is needed on the role of the voluntary and community sector, the voice of the child, the particular needs of girls and black and minority ethnic (BAME) children, and on working within the principles of Taylor’s proposed reforms
The response is weak on looked after children, BAME children (particularly around diversion), crown court trials, advocacy, and prevention, diversion and early intervention – there is nothing in the government’s response to ensure these services, assessments, or the necessary services will be available, or that services will be integrated. We would welcome elaboration on these matters.
Further to the government’s response, we believe:
Action should be taken immediately on criminal records and reporting restrictions
Research is needed on the over-use of remand
“Pop up” courts should be considered to deal with the problems arising from court closures
Child-specific liaison and diversion is needed
the government should consider raising the custody threshold as part of its sentencing review.
We support the retention of an expert body such as the YJB and the statutory duty to have a YOT, but we believe there is room for the government to secure improvements to both. We are delighted by the government’s acknowledgement that Young Offender Institutions and Secure Training Centres are not fit for purpose, and by its commitment to phase them out. We await further details on secure schools and support the proposed measures to improve custody, though we would like further details.
We welcome measures to improve resettlement, but believe more fundamental reform is required.
Full Response: Response to Charlie Taylor’s review of the youth justice system and the government’s response *
*Please note, this response was published under our previous name of the Standing Committee for Youth Justice (SCYJ)