Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the Youth Justice
Board (YJB), responds to the reforms announced on 11 February
2026.
Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the YJB,
says:
“Today's ministerial announcement on youth justice
reform presents some strong opportunities to respond to the
complex challenges in youth justice. We
welcome multi-year funding certainty for youth
justice services, and we support the policy intent and
delivery ambition of ministers.
“The announcement also mentions fundamental reforms to the
Youth Justice Board and this is part of a broader structural
review across public bodies, not a reflection of the great
work of the YJB workforce and the strides we have seen in youth
justice as a result of our leadership to the
sector. The evidence shows that the youth justice
system, supported by the YJB's national oversight, evidence
and practice leadership, has delivered sustained and
measurable progress over the past decade for
children, victims and communities.
“Over the past 10 years the system has achieved:
-
A 65% reduction in the number of children receiving cautions
or sentences
-
A 38% reduction in arrests of children compared with a decade
ago
-
Record low numbers of children held in
custody
-
Continued downward trends in child reoffending
-
Significant reductions in first-time entrants to the youth
justice system.
“These achievements are shared achievements - delivered
locally by youth justice services and partners and strengthened
nationally through the YJB's evidence and system leadership. All
of us at the YJB are proud to be part of the system's
progress.
“Under the reformed arrangements, the YJB will continue as an
independent body with a clear and focused national role in
continuous improvement, evidence leadership and
practice support.
“We will continue to provide system
insight, research and guidance on effective
practice, and to work in close improvement partnership with youth
justice services across England and Wales. There will be
continuity in our improvement, evidence and practice
leadership functions through the transition period. Supporting
services with credible evidence, practical tools and learning
will remain at the heart of our work.
“Youth justice is most effective when it is evidence led, child
centred and grounded in partnership.
We remain committed to working closely with youth
justice services, sector partners and the Ministry of
Justice to build further on approaches that improve outcomes for
children, support victims and create safer communities.”
