Jack*, a 17-year-old, had recently been arrested for criminal damage and possession with intention to supply drugs when his parents called the Youth Justice Legal Centre (YJLC) advice line for help. His parents, concerned for his wellbeing, had called the police after he punched and broke a mirror. When the police arrived and searched Jack, they found a large quantity of drugs. A voluntary police interview was arranged. Although his parents were initially hesitant about Jack exercising his right to have a solicitor present at the interview, the YJLC team convinced them that it was crucial that Jack was represented by a solicitor who specialised in youth justice. With Jack’s 18th birthday rapidly approaching, we explained that the law treats those who turn 18 between the commission of an offence and the start of criminal proceedings as adults, which can mean young people lose access to youth diversion schemes and anonymity during court proceedings and are only eligible for adult sentences including much longer rehabilitation periods which reduce employment prospects and prevent people from moving on with their lives. Following our representations, the police dealt with Jack’s case by way of an out of court disposal, considering the disproportionate impact that a decision to prosecute would have had.
Jack is just one of many young people that we support through our work at YJLC. Our advice line is the only youth justice legal advice line in England and Wales, ensuring access to justice by providing expert representation and advice from youth justice lawyers to criminal lawyers, youth justice services, professionals, families, and children. This ranges from general information to detailed ongoing support with specific legal cases, meaning we’re able to provide vital legal advice and support to fill a gap created by limited Legal Aid funding and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and young people caught up in the criminal justice system nationally.
When YJLC was established in 2014, there were very few specialist youth justice resources, and the area of law was not considered a specialism but an extension of the adult criminal justice system. At that time there was no requirement for lawyers representing children in the criminal justice system to have any specialist training, knowledge, or skills. Since then, we have worked to develop a better-informed youth justice policy and practice environment through a combination of direct legal representation, youth justice training, and advice line support. By working in collaboration with leading experts from across the globe, we ensure that the knowledge and skills of those working with children in the criminal justice system are constantly evolving and improving. But we know that more needs to be done to shape a future where children’s rights are truly put at the heart of the criminal justice process.
Numerous reports have found that children in the criminal justice system are particularly vulnerable – the most recent of these being Criminal Legal Aid Review – and in need of specialist representation. It has also been clear from our work as part of the MOJ Quality of Advocacy Working Group (Youth) that there is sector-wide recognition of the need for specialist training. That’s why we are now looking to expand and strengthen our existing youth justice training programme by creating an integrated training and membership model that builds on the successful work we have done over the years to tackle the lack of comprehensive knowledge of the youth justice system amongst lawyers and youth justice professionals.
From September 2022, we will launch our new membership programme, during which we will offer foundation training courses, expert seminars, and bespoke training courses which will equip legal professionals with up-to-date knowledge, practical skills, and stronger confidence in how best to work with and for children and young people who come into contact with the criminal justice system. By delivering youth justice training which evolves with developments in the legal landscape, we will empower you with the tools needed to secure the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
*not his real name
About the authors
Laura Cooper, Co-Head of the Youth Justice Legal Centre
Laura is a specialist youth justice lawyer who has been at the Youth Justice Legal Centre since 2015, becoming co-head in 2019. She has practised as a solicitor advocate since 2011 and has experience of representing children at the police station, youth court, and Crown Court. Laura oversees the YJLC national advice line for lawyers, youth offending teams, families, children, and other professionals which provides accurate expert knowledge on youth justice law and practice.
Katya Moran, Co-Head of the Youth Justice Legal Centre
Katya is a specialist youth justice lawyer with 14 years’ experience representing children in criminal proceedings and became co-head of the Youth Justice Legal Centre in 2019. She maintains a busy independent practice representing children in the police station and in the youth court. Katya oversees the development of YJLC’s interactive legal training programme, writes best practice legal guides on youth justice issues, and regularly delivers lectures and training on youth justice.
More stories
