The government has introduced the Sentencing Bill to Parliament. Here, we summarise proposals which will impact children in the youth justice system

The government has introduced the Criminal justice Bill to Parliament. We explain proposals which if passed into law will impact children in, or at risk of entering, the youth justice system

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill fails to address burning injustices in our youth justice system caused when a child turns 18. Here, the AYJ sets out recommendations to improve the Bill and ensure children are treated as children.

Clause 136 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill proposes reforms to criminal records. Here, the AYJ examines these reforms and sets out our recommendations.

Clause 131 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill proposes changes to the use of remand for children. Here, the AYJ examines these changes and sets out our recommendations.

While the AYJ has numerous concerns across many different aspects of the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Bill, we have narrowed these down to three principal concerns regarding the impact on children’s rights as set out by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). These are the ways in which the Bill fails to treat children as children, will increase the incarceration of children, and exacerbate racial disparities.

Clauses 7-21 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill introduce a multi-agency ‘Serious Violence Duty’. Here, the AYJ examines the Duty and our recommendations for change.

Clauses 100-106 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill propose changes to child custody. Here, the AYJ examines these changes and sets out our recommendations.

Clauses 166-169 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill proposes an expansion of video links in court. Here, the AYJ examines these proposals and sets out our recommendations.

Clause 135 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill proposes reforms to community sentencing. Here, the AYJ examines these reforms and sets out our recommendations.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill will further entrench racial disparities and continue to reduce public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system. Here, the AYJ examines the Bill on the grounds of racial inequality and sets out our recommendations.