AYJ comment on HMI Prisons’ inspection report on Wetherby Young Offender Institution (YOI)

AYJ comment on HMI Prisons’ annual Children in Custody report and an inspection report on Werrington YOI, exposing deeply concerning conditions within the secure estate for children

A new policy framework sets out that staff in the children’s secure estate are no longer permitted to use techniques to restrain children which deliberately cause pain.

Over 30 organisations working with & on behalf of children and young adults in criminal justice system have called on Youth Justice Minister Damian Hinds to act over the appalling treatment of children in the secure estate.

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.

AYJ comment on Urgent Notification process invoked for Cookham Wood Young Offenders Institution

Comment from AYJ Interim Chief Executive Saqib Deshmukh following the publication of data analysis from the Children’s Commissioner for England on the strip search of children in England and Wales.

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.

The AYJ has joined over 80 organisations in making Joint Statement in response to Universal Periodic Review, which highlighted a wide range of areas where the UK Government is failing to meet its international legal obligations.

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.

AYJ comment on HM Inspectorate of Prisons progress report on HMYOI Wetherby and the Keppel unit. The report has highlighted a lack of improvement and continued uncertainty about Keppel’s role

AYJ has responded to the Children’s Rights Alliance for England’s (CRAE) call for evidence on the UK’s adherence to its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Comment from AYJ Interim Chief Executive Saqib Deshmukh following the publication of HMIP’s thematic review of outcomes for girls in custody.

Comment from AYJ Chief Executive Pippa Goodfellow following HMI Prisons latest inspection report examining children’s experiences in Werrington Young Offender Institution (YOI).

AYJ comments on the government announcement of a £300 million funding package for youth justice over the next 3 years, including the ‘Turnaround’ scheme.

Commenting on the Government’s ‘Beating Crime Plan’, the AYJ raises concerns that it does not go far enough to tackle the root causes of offending, provide adequate support children and young people, and address the devastating impacts of COVID-19.

AYJ comments on the report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities and summarises our recent work to address racial injustice in the youth justice system.

AYJ Comments on Rob Butler MP’s Ten Minute Rule Bill that would change the law so someone who turns 18 between allegedly committing an offence and appearing in court would have their hearing and sentencing within the youth justice system.

AYJ Comments on Justice Select Committee inquiry reports, the government response and a new HMI Prisons review, all published this week. These reports provide welcome scrutiny of the youth justice system but the inquiry has missed opportunities for recommendations to bring about urgently needed reform in key areas of policy.

Three important publications released this week have shone further light on the issues faced by children in the youth justice system. We detail key findings and highlight critical concerns, particularly for children in custody, calling for urgent action to address the problems that persist.