Greg Stewart, Partner and Senior Solicitor at GT Stewart, promotes awareness of common issues when advising children and young people in the Law Society Gazette following the launch of the Youth Justice Charter this month.

Greg explains that a child’s interaction with the youth justice system comes at a vulnerable time. Trust and understanding of a fair process are crucial to their future outcomes. The statutory aim of the youth justice system is to reduce offending and to promote the welfare of the child. This can only succeed if children know what to expect and who is responsible for what. They also need to understand how to raise concerns when standards are not met.

Greg outlines how the Charter highlights the need for clarity and better communication of care standards for vulnerable young people in the justice system.

‘‘It recognises the need for clarity and commitment to the standards of care for children in the justice system and better communication of those standards to vulnerable, young people who end up facing it.’’

The Charter outlines five key stages of the youth justice journey: police contact, the courts, youth justice services, custody, and resettlement. Each stage includes guidance on what to do if standards are not upheld.

Cross-sector collaboration

The Charter is a major step forward in improving how children are treated and supported in the youth justice system. It was spearheaded by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) but is a cross-sector collaboration involving the police, youth justice services and the youth custody service, the legal community, and third sector organisations. Legal organisations helped develop the Charter, including The Law Society of England and Wales, the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association, the Youth Practitioners Association, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

A valuable resource

The Charter features easy-to-read materials, guidance on legal rights, and accessible tools created with young people. These include guides, videos, animations and an offline version for those in custody. The MoJ is working to ensure it becomes a valuable trusted resource for children and those supporting them. Greg encourages those working in youth justice networks to raise awareness of the Charter. He emphasises the need to ensure that young clients are informed and supported in line with its principles.

To read the full article and access the charter, click here.