This year's Annual Youth Justice Convention got off to a positive start today when justice minister David Hanson praised delegates for their successes in the first 10 years of youth justice reform – and called on them to build on those achievements over the next decade.
The minister highlighted several recent areas of achievement for the youth justice system, ranging from the reduction in first-time entrants to the youth justice system, to the Government’s Youth Crime Action Plan.
Referring to the YJB’s announcement today of pilots for the Youth Restorative Disposal, he praised restorative approaches to youth justice for giving a greater focus to the needs of victims.
The minister said:
“We are working with a challenging group of individuals, but the rewards can be great.”
Earlier, YJB board member Bob Reitemeier, who is chairing the event, said:
“Now, more than ever, it is important to concentrate our focus on those young people we are there to serve.”
The convention in Harrogate is taking place today and tomorrow, hosting around 1,100 delegates from across the youth justice system in England and Wales.
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