The Youth Practitioners’ Association held its second Youth Court SOS event last week, coinciding with the start of court practice for new pupils.

Chaired by Dr Laura Janes, one of our consultants and a member of the YPA committee, the first half of the event focused on key issues affecting children in the Youth Court with insightful presentations from:

• Dr. Celia Sadie, a psychologist with extensive experience of working with children in the criminal justice system
• Megan Slade, a speech and language therapist from Hackney YJS
• Ife Thompson, a barrister at Nexus Chambers

The second half of the evening explored the legal aspect of first appearances with Caroline Liggins addressing out of court disposals; Laura O’Brien focused on provisions for Bail and Remand; Mel Stooks concluded the session with practical guidance on utilising this information at the first appearance, and navigating the complexities of a PET form without compromising the trial.

The YPA was set up by GT Stewart’s Mel Stooks and Claire Dissington, together with Caroline Liggins from Hodge Jones and Allen and Leah Connolly from Sonn MacMillan Walker, to provide a voice for pan-profession youth practitioners to raise concerns, respond to consultations and to support those working in this sector.

Current YPA projects include the Ministry of Justice Youth Court Training Programme and the Child First Pilot at Wood Green and Brixton Police Stations, which aims to reduce the length of time a child spends in custody.