Open consultation

Oversight and funding of youth justice services

From:: Ministry of Justice
Published:: 17 July 2026

Applies to England and Wales

Summary

A consultation on proposals for a new performance and oversight framework for youth justice services, and reforms to how they are funded.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 11 September 2026

Consultation description

This consultation sets out proposals to create a more coherent approach to overseeing youth justice services, with clearer expectations, stronger partnership accountability and a more proportionate approach to reporting.

We are also consulting on reforms to the way youth justice services are funded to ensure funding is allocated more fairly and reflects local need.

We propose undertaking reforms in two phases:

from April 2027: introducing a new national performance and oversight framework
from April 2029: reforming the approach to how youth justice services are funded

Documents