Comment from AYJ Interim Chief Executive Saqib Deshmukh following the publication of HMIP’s thematic review of outcomes for girls in custody.

Comment from AYJ Chief Executive Pippa Goodfellow following HMI Prisons latest inspection report examining children’s experiences in Werrington Young Offender Institution (YOI).

AYJ comments on the government announcement of a £300 million funding package for youth justice over the next 3 years, including the ‘Turnaround’ scheme.

Commenting on the Government’s ‘Beating Crime Plan’, the AYJ raises concerns that it does not go far enough to tackle the root causes of offending, provide adequate support children and young people, and address the devastating impacts of COVID-19.

AYJ comments on the report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities and summarises our recent work to address racial injustice in the youth justice system.

AYJ Comments on Rob Butler MP’s Ten Minute Rule Bill that would change the law so someone who turns 18 between allegedly committing an offence and appearing in court would have their hearing and sentencing within the youth justice system.

AYJ Comments on Justice Select Committee inquiry reports, the government response and a new HMI Prisons review, all published this week. These reports provide welcome scrutiny of the youth justice system but the inquiry has missed opportunities for recommendations to bring about urgently needed reform in key areas of policy.

Three important publications released this week have shone further light on the issues faced by children in the youth justice system. We detail key findings and highlight critical concerns, particularly for children in custody, calling for urgent action to address the problems that persist.

Pippa Goodfellow, Director of the AYJ, comments on HM Inspectorate of Prisons annual report on children’s experiences in custody, outlining the need for a clear strategy, with the bold and decisive action to address the “appalling experiences and conditions in youth custody.”

Pippa Goodfellow (Director of the AYJ) and Hannah Smithson (Chair of the AYJ) comment on the publication of the Sentencing White Paper by the Ministry of Justice, describing proposals as a ‘mixed bag’ of reforms for the youth justice system.