Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB)

What is Child First? Our new infographic is a handy visual guide to help you understand Child First and its four key parts 🎨 Please do share with colleagues that would find this useful! ⬇ #WorldChildrensDay #ChildFirst #YouthJustice #Resource

We're excited to welcome Martin Pratt and Robert Sullivan as the YJB's two newest Board members!   Our Chair Keith Fraser shares more below ⤵    Find out more about the appointments on GOV.UK  https://lnkd.in/ebS92d-4

Yesterday was #WhiteRibbonDay, an international campaign calling for the elimination of violence against women and girls. 🎗 Our Chair, Keith Fraser reflected on the day and how it serves as a powerful reminder for men and boys to be allies for women and girls. Read his blog 📚 https://lnkd.in/eF4n867A

This Thursday I was invited to the annual The Traveller Movement conference within my role as Board Member and lead for Serious Violence and reducing racial disparity at Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB). It has to be mentioned the hospitality from Yvonne MacNamara and her team was second to none. I was proud to share my admiration for their culture and passion to show up for our children within Youth Justice System and more importantly within our communities because this is where meaningful work is sustained. As the Keynote Speaker for the day, amongst a few points I highlighted, the worrying data around Gypsy Roma Traveller children being cautioned or sentenced. And for me it is one of many concerns we should have in our minds when working with communities who have been marginalised. What was also clear is the need to understand, respect and recognise the individual histories of Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Travellers. I’ve made an ongoing commitment to be present, listen and learn about the great work the The Traveller Movement is doing. As a proud descendant of a people who had no choice but to share their history through oral traditions, it was easy to feel at home whilst listening to the contributions of the second panel during conference. John, Betty, Lourdes, Leanne, Charlie, Olivia and Sarah gave brilliant contributions.

We spoke to Naomi S., Team Leader at Hackney Youth Justice Service, about her experience with Q-Seed: a 10-month Black-led leadership programme for criminal justice professionals. 🌟 With over 15 years experience in youth justice, Naomi wanted to try a "non-traditional avenue" for a leadership programme. Q-seed provided her a safe space to challenge and advocate for change and connect with experts across the criminal justice sector. 🔁 One phrase that stuck with Naomi from the programme was "we go slow to go fast". Q-Seed provided the external, reflective space to do just that, and has been invaluable in building confidence, developing knowledge and reinforcing the role of youth justice workers - and children - in the wider context of justice. 💜 Find out more about the Q-Seed programme ⤵ https://www.q-seed.com/

This Thursday I was invited to the annual The Traveller Movement conference within my role as Board Member and lead for Serious Violence and reducing racial disparity at Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB). It has to be mentioned the hospitality from Yvonne MacNamara and her team was second to none. I was proud to share my admiration for their culture and passion to show up for our children within Youth Justice System and more importantly within our communities because this is where meaningful work is sustained. As the Keynote Speaker for the day, amongst a few points I highlighted, the worrying data around Gypsy Roma Traveller children being cautioned or sentenced. And for me it is one of many concerns we should have in our minds when working with communities who have been marginalised. What was also clear is the need to understand, respect and recognise the individual histories of Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Travellers. I’ve made an ongoing commitment to be present, listen and learn about the great work the The Traveller Movement is doing. As a proud descendant of a people who had no choice but to share their history through oral traditions, it was easy to feel at home whilst listening to the contributions of the second panel during conference. John, Betty, Lourdes, Leanne, Charlie, Olivia and Sarah gave brilliant contributions.

Created in collaboration with children and young adults, this video from Joint Enterprise tells the story of how an incident involving a knife can have a devastating impact on so many, as well as leading to lengthy sentences for those involved. Watch the video on our Youth Justice Resource Hub ⬇ https://lnkd.in/ejFP5cmX #Resource #SeriousViolence #Coproduction 

Are you aware of the Child First approach? Research consistently demonstrates that following this approach reduces crime and helps achieve a wide range of positive outcomes. Have a quick read of this handy summary!

💡 Ministry of Justice UK has allocated an additional £5.1m for Youth Court legal aid work, increasing spend by about 80%. This represents an uplift of £598.59 per case, nearly doubling the standard fee. These changes will come into effect on 6 December 2024. ⬇

‘One decision can change your life’. Actor and recording artist Ashley Walters recently visited HM YOI Werrington to inspire the children there to turn their lives around. “Having positive role models is invaluable for boys in the youth justice system. Ashley Walters’ message highlights the importance of sharing our stories to support children to make a change and transform their lives.” Jacob L. Sakil IV, YJB Board member Watch the video below ⬇