POLICY INFLUENCING

The AYJ has grown into an alliance of over 70 non-profit organisations working together to drive positive change in youth justice for the benefit of children and society.

We advocate for distinct systems, services and support that treat children as children first and foremost - underpinned by social justice, children’s rights and a focus on positive long-term outcomes. Our work focuses on influencing policy, legislation and practice to address issues affecting children who come into conflict with the law - from diversion and policing to custody and resettlement.

  • Our approach

    As an alliance, AYJ is in a unique position to drive policy change. We provide a network for exchanging ideas and co-producing publications, working proactively and reactively in collaboration with our members. We have a strong track record as an influential group informing and influencing improvements to the youth justice system.

  • Our focus

    Our priority issues for policy influencing are driven by our vision, mission, purpose and principles. Our 3-5 year strategy for 2022 onwards is currently being developed in conjunction with our members. It will set out the areas we focus our proactive work on, as well as determining our priorities for responding to policy and legislative developments from Government. More information will be available here soon.

  • Our work

    You can view all AYJ publications on our publications page, and the work for our projects on the impact of COVID-19, our Young Advocates, and the Young Women’s Justice Project on our projects page. See details of our latest written responses, briefings, comments, events and more here.