A Modern Youth Justice Service: Foundations Fit for The Future
The government sets out its reforms and plans to modernise the youth justice system.
Applies to England and Wales
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The youth justice system in England and Wales has seen considerable success over the past two decades, with significant reductions in first-time entrants, proven offences, and the number of children in custody.
However, the children who come into contact with the system today often present with increasingly complex needs and face significant barriers to rehabilitation. To continue protecting the public and supporting children to turn away from offending, the youth justice system must evolve.
Today, the government sets out its plans to modernise the governance and funding of youth justice services, strengthen early intervention, and ensure custody is only used as a last resort.
This statement lays the foundations for further reforms to be announced later this Spring. Taken together, these proposals will amount to the most fundamental reform of the youth justice system in a generation.
A Written Ministerial Statement setting out the government’s plans was made in Parliament today.