Draft strategy for youth justice goes out to consultation

David Stanton, minister with responsibility for youth justice, today launched an online consultation on how state agencies, including the justice system, should engage with young people at risk of becoming involved in crime.

Over the next eight weeks, the survey will collect opinions on a range of areas, including the role of individuals and organisations in helping to prevent children and young people’s involvement in crime and on different approaches to dealing with those who have committed an offence.

Mr Stanton said: “I think everyone is very aware of the serious, and sometimes horrific consequences where young people become involved with criminal groups. We need to increase and improve our efforts to engage with young people at risk to turn them away from a life of crime.

“With this consultation we want to consider the full range of issues connected to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system. I would encourage anyone with an interest in this area – young or old – to make their voice heard by taking part in the online consultation.”

The Department of Justice has said it plans for further engagement with stakeholders in the coming months, but the “precise format for this engagement” will be kept under review as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.