YJB welcomes National Protocol review
"The review must drive earlier, co-ordinated and trauma-informed response across agencies"
Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive for the Youth Justice Board (YJB)
Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Board, says:
“The YJB welcomes this announcement. Children who have experienced care are one of the most marginalised groups we see in the youth justice system. They are significantly over-represented, particularly in the most serious outcomes such as custody.
“Our vision is that every child lives a safe and crime-free life. Yet overwhelmingly, children in care have faced abuse, neglect, grief, instability and repeated trauma long before they ever come into contact with the justice system. Those experiences shape behaviour, relationships and trust, and our system must respond to that reality with empathy and skilled support – not punishment.
“Being in care should never be a route into the justice system, yet we know that for too many children, the very system designed to protect them can compound their trauma and increase their vulnerability to exploitation, missing episodes and harm. This is a pattern that can push children further towards the justice system, often escalating situations that could be resolved through diversion, restorative approaches, or compassionate care.
“This review offers an important opportunity for all agencies – social care, policing, schools and health – to intervene early, consistently and collaboratively. They must now reflect on how they work together to meet children’s needs earlier and more effectively, applying trauma-informed decision-making to make professionals understand the story behind a child’s behaviour, and help prevent situations from escalating to crisis. This has the potential to improve the consistency of practice across the country and reduce unnecessary criminalisation.
“The YJB will work closely with government, the Children’s Commissioner and local partners as this review progresses. We recognise that hurt people, hurt people; this understanding must shape how we respond to children in the justice system. We will advocate for the Child First evidence base and decision-making framework to inform this work, and for improved national data on children who have experienced care across the youth justice system. Our aim is to ensure the whole system treats children as children, so fewer of them end up facing the most serious outcomes of a system that was meant to be their safety net.”
Read the Government announcement on Children in care protected from falling into justice system - GOV.UK