Whose Justice?
Debating youth justice
Debating youth justice: From punishment to problem solving is the second in a series of Whose Justice? publications. The collection of essays follows on from an initial report, From punishment to problem solving: a new approach to children in trouble authored by Rob Allen, former member of the youth justice board. It includes responses from youth justice experts in the UK and abroad providing a critical analysis of how children in trouble are dealt with in England and Wales. The report says far too many children are being criminalised and calls for a new approach.
As well as Rob Allen's initial report there are contributions from Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive of the Children's Society, Professor Phil Scraton of Queen's University Belfast, Professor Barry Goldson of Liverpool University, Professor John Muncie of the Open University, Ray Arthur of the University of Teeside and Rebecca Palmer of the Greater London Authority. International experts include Dr Jeffrey Butts from the University of Chicago and Professor Josine Junger-Tas at the University of Lausanne.
A range of policy proposals are set out by the different authors including:
- Moving responsibility for youth justice from the Home Office to the Department of Education and Skills.
- An end to the use of prison custody for children
- The introduction of a new sentencing framework including a residential training order of up to two years or five years in the case of grave crimes.
- An expansion of restorative justice schemes, particularly in schools, where offenders make amends for their actions.
- Greater investment in prevention programmes and services to support children in trouble or at risk who have educational and health problems.
- Expansion in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
- A network of family support services
- Withdrawing the use of Anti Social Behaviour Orders for children
Download a copy of the report here.
Contact Will McMahon ( ) for further information.