LONDON, Feb. 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the YJB, says:
Yesterday's ministerial announcement on youth justice reformpresents some strong opportunities to respond to the complex challengesinyouthjustice.We welcomemulti-yearfundingcertainty for youth justice services,and we support the policy intent and delivery ambition of ministers.
The announcement also mentionsfundamental reforms to the Youth Justice Board and thisis part of a broader structural review across public bodies, not a reflection ofthe great work of the YJB workforce and the strides we have seen in youth justiceas a result of our leadership to the sector.The evidence shows that the youth justice system,supported by the YJB's national oversight, evidence and practice leadership,has delivered sustained and measurable progress over the past decade for children,victimsand communities.
Over the past10years the system has achieved:
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A 65% reduction in the number of children receiving cautions or sentences
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A 38% reduction in arrests of children compared with a decade ago
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Recordlow numbersof children held in custody
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Continued downward trends in child reoffending
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Significant reductions in first-time entrants to the youth justicesystem.
These achievements are shared achievements-delivered locally by youth justice services and partners and strengthened nationally through the YJB's evidence and system leadership. All of us at the YJB are proud to be part of the system's progress.
Under the reformed arrangements, the YJB will continue as an independent body with a clear and focused national role in continuous improvement, evidenceleadershipand practice support.
We will continue toprovidesystem insight,researchand guidanceoneffective practice, and to work in close improvement partnership with youth justice services across England and Wales. There will be continuity in our improvement,evidenceand practice leadership functions through the transition period. Supporting services with credible evidence, practical tools and learning will remain at the heart of our work.
Youth justice is most effective when it is evidence-led, child-centred and grounded in partnership. Weremaincommitted to working closely with youth justice services, sectorpartnersand the Ministry of Justice to build further on approaches that improve outcomes for children, support victims and create safer communities.
* Read the Government's announcement
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
