AYJ submits evidence to the Commission on Young Lives
Earlier this year, it was announced that former Children's Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield will be leading an independent review, hosted by Oasis Charitable Trust, to examine and identify solutions to transform the outcomes of the most vulnerable children and young people who are at risk of violence, harm, and criminalisation. The Commission on Young Lives officially launched in September and thematic reports are being published across 2022, with final findings expected to be published towards the end of the year.
The Commission held a 'call for evidence’ in autumn 2021, calling for contributions from frontline, service and system leaders and commissioners, and those with lived experience, to help identify trends, new practice models and gather ideas for practice and policy solutions.
We have responded to the Commission's call for evidence, focussing on children in, or at risk of involvement in, the youth justice system. At the AYJ, six principles for youth justice policy underpin our way of working. We have used these as a framework for our response. Some key areas that we highlight include:
concerns around Child Criminal Exploitation and the response to serious violence
the need to recognise and challenge all forms of discrimination and disadvantage affecting children including racially minoritised children, children with care experience, children with neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health or physical health needs, and girls
changes to the youth justice system that would uphold children's rights
how diversion provision, police practice, and use of custody can be improved in order to uphold a Child First approach to youth justice
barriers to moving on from the youth justice system such as delays, criminal records, and cliff-edge transitions
the need for children to be meaningfully consulted on changes that will impact their lives
To highlight the start of the Commission on Young Lives, we were also joined by Anne Longfield at our Members’ Meeting back in October where she introduced the Commission, speaking on its key questions, methods, and themes. It was also an opportunity for AYJ members to pose any questions or provide feedback to Anne.
Looking forward, we are keen continue engagement with the Commission, along with our members, as they develop their findings and recommendations. We would also like to thank all AYJ members who took the time to support our submission.
Read our full evidence submission to the Commission on Young Lives here.