The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has today (15 July) published its
Youth Justice Charter,* setting out standards that a child can
expect from people and organisations they interact with in the
youth justice system.
The new Charter will help both solicitors and their clients
understand the rights and standards that apply in youth court
work.
Law Society of England and Wales president Richard Atkinson said:
“When a child interacts with the youth justice system, they are
incredibly vulnerable. It is therefore essential that they can
find out what to expect and who is responsible for what, to build
trust in a fair legal process.
“The Charter sets out the standards children can expect to
receive from their solicitor in a digestible format. It does not
add to or extend existing rights but instead brings all relevant
rights and standards into one place using clear language.
“Youth court work, by its very nature, involves complex issues
and is increasingly becoming a specialist area of practice. The
vulnerability of clients in the Youth Court requires those who
practice in this area to be familiar with the procedures and
relevant law in relation to youth defendants.“
Notes to editor
- * See the Youth Justice Charter here.
- ** The Youth Justice Charter was developed by the MoJ in
collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including the
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Crown Prosecution Service,
the Law Society, Youth Justice Board, Youth Custody Service,
National Police Chiefs' Council and HMCTS. Young people also
helped to develop the Charter website and the Charter
resources.
- The Charter is in five parts, following the stages a child
may go through in the youth justice system – the police, the
courts, youth justice services, custody and resettlement. Each
part of the Charter includes a section explaining what to do and
who to contact if standards are not met.
- For solicitors who do youth court work, the Law Society has
published information and guidance on youth court resources
here.
