13 November 2007
A joint Governmental youth justice unit was launched today by Justice Minister David Hanson MP.
The Joint Youth Justice Unit will merge the responsibilities of the former Ministry of Justice Youth Justice and Children Unit and those of the Young Offender Education Team of the Offenders Learning and Skills Unit of the former DFES. These new joint arrangements provide a unique opportunity to bring together the agendas of the two Departments for the benefit of children and young people.
The unit will have two aims:
- To contribute to the protection of the public by developing policy and law in relation to children and young people who offend and are at risk of offending.
- To ensure that children and young people in contact with the criminal justice system achieve all five outcomes of Every Child Matters i.e. to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being.
Justice Minister David Hanson MP said:
"Protecting the public, reducing re-offending and rehabilitating young offenders are all important priorities for the unit. Joint responsibility with the DCSF will allow us to have a more joined up approach towards dealing with young people in the justice system."
Children's Minister Beverley Hughes MP said:
"We are committed to ensuring that young people in the criminal justice system are given the same chances to improve their lives as any other young people.
"Whilst young people who commit crime must be held to account, we also know they are often the most disadvantaged and vulnerable young people who need strong support and intervention to help them towards a more positive future. One of the priorities for this unit is to ensure they have the same education, training and employment opportunities as other young people."
Youth justice policy and sponsorship of the Youth Justice Board were made the joint responsibility of the Ministry of Justice and DCSF following machinery of Government changes in June 2007 and the creation of the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF).
The Unit will also sponsor the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales - the executive non-departmental public body that oversees the youth justice system. It will continue to oversee early intervention and prevention programmes delivered via the Youth Justice Board through Youth Offending Teams and have responsibility for policy in relation to children and young people in the out-of-court system, those on community sentences and in custody. It will continue to oversee policy on resettlement and reducing youth re-offending. Additionally, as stated above, education of youth offenders in custody, which was formerly the responsibility of DCSF will now, be part of the joint unit's remit.
Notes to Editors
- David Hanson MP was speaking at the Youth Justice Board Convention in Bournemouth.
- More information relating to the work of DCSF and the Every Child Matters agenda, and the Youth Justice Board.