New National Standards for youth justice services
The National Standards for youth justice services have been revised.
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The standards, set by the Secretary of State for Justice on advice from the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB), are designed to ensure public protection, safeguard young people and deliver effective services.
They apply to those organisations providing statutory youth justice services, including youth offending teams and the secure estate, which includes secure children’s homes, secure training centres and young offender institutions.
The new National Standards, which came into affect on 2 April 2013, have been revised following national consultation with youth justice services and other key stakeholders.
The recent revisions to the standards are necessary to assist the introduction of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LASPO) Act 2012 and the introduction of AssetPlus, the new assessment, planning and interventions framework, due to replace the current system (Asset) next year.
In addition, the standards have been updated with the latest developments in resettlement, restorative justice and work with victims.
The standards have also been streamlined and reduced in number and aim to remove or reduce prescription over the delivery of community–based youth justice services, allowing for greater application of professional judgement by front line staff.
Lin Hinnigan, chief executive of the YJB, said:
The new National Standards preserve the coherence of the youth justice system whilst removing prescription wherever possible.
To ensure changes are implemented smoothly we will be working with youth justice services to ensure staff are equipped to apply the flexibility which the new standards provide and to continue to achieve the outcomes we are all working for.
If you have any questions about any aspect of the standards email: effectivepracticeteam@yjb.gsi.gov.uk.
Learn more about the National Standards for Youth Justice Services.
Notes to editors
Youth Justice Board media enquiries
Youth Justice Board for England and Wales
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