Youth Justice Board

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The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) is a non-departmental public body created by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to oversee the youth justice system for England and Wales. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, and its Board members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice. It also receives funding from the Home Office and the Department for Education. In November 2011 the government dropped plans, contained in the Public Bodies Bill, to abolish the Youth Justice Board.[1]

Functions[edit]

The YJB works to prevent offending, reduce re-offending, protect the public, support victims of crime, and to promote the safety and welfare of children and young people in the Criminal Justice System.

The YJB wants an effective youth justice system where children and young people receive support to allow them to lead crime-free lives. The Board works to prevent children and young people under 18 from offending or re-offending. It also aims to ensure custody is safe and secure, and addresses the causes of children's offending behaviour.[2]

Their duties include:

  • overseeing youth justice services
  • identifying and disseminating effective practice across youth justice services
  • commissioning a 'secure estate' for children and young people sentenced to custody
  • placing young people remanded or sentenced to custody
  • advising the Secretary of State for Justice on the operation of, and standards for, the youth justice system
  • making grants to local authorities or other bodies for the development of plans that support the Board's targets[3]

Board Members[edit]

Members of the YJB’s Board are appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice. The current chair is Lord McNally.[4] Previous chairmen include Norman Warner, Baron Warner, Rod Morgan & Frances Done. Other current Board members include:

  • Amanda Sater
  • Dr Carol Homden CBE
  • Christine Davies CBE
  • David Banks
  • Dr Gillian Fairfield
  • John Wrangham MBE
  • Neil Rhodes
  • Rob Butler
  • Seamus Oates
  • Dr Tony Sewell

The YJB's current Chief Executive is Colin Allars.[5] The organisation has about 230 staff.[6]

External links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "BBC Online". Retrieved 31 May 2015. 
  2. ^ "Youth Justice Board website". Retrieved 31 May 2015. 
  3. ^ "Youth Justice Board website". Retrieved 31 May 2015. 
  4. ^ "Youth Justice Board website". Retrieved 31 May 2015. 
  5. ^ "Youth Justice Board website". Retrieved 2 August 2016. 
  6. ^ "Youth Justice Board website". Retrieved 31 May 2015.