@theayj.bsky.social
The Alliance for Youth Justice brings together over 75 organisations to drive change in youth justice for the benefit of children, young people, and society.
Today, we have responded to the government’s youth justice policy statement, 'A Modern Youth Justice Service: Foundations Fit for The Future'. We're heartened to see recognition of systemic failure, but the “bold vision” promised must be truly ambitious.
www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...
This image shows the logo of every organisation that supported Amendment 221.
We’re supporting Amendment 221 to put Child Rights Impact Assessments on a statutory footing. Backed by 160 orgs & echoing a key Covid-19 Inquiry recommendation, this is a vital step to ensure children’s rights are considered in decision-making
🔗 bit.ly/4akFft8
Close-up of a brown eye with text about taking the government to court and explaining the reasons behind it.
Tomorrow, we are going to the High Court to challenge the government’s decision to authorise the use of PAVA spray in prisons holding children.
This blogpost explains why: https://howardleague.org/blog/were-taking-the-government-to-court-next-week-heres-why/
During today's Sentencing Bill debate, Lord Timpson said the government will review youth sentencing, something we have long called for. This represents a vital opportunity to ensure custody is only used as a last resort for children.
Our full statement: www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...
It is essential that this ambition is as present in the youth justice system as the adult system, and that organisations led by and for people affected by racial injustice are fully engaged in the delivery of actions to meet the ambition.
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A photo of the event with James Timpson MP giving a presentation
Delighted to be at @zahidmubarektrust.bsky.social's 'Race in Prisons' conference today, and hear Prisons Minister JamesTimpson acknowledge the stark race inequality in the youth justice system, and the need for ambitious action to address it.
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After hundreds of FairChecks supporters wrote to Lord Chancellor David Lammy calling for fairer criminal records checks, we received a response from Lord Timpson.
🔗Read the full letter here - and join the movement, if you haven't already! fairchecks.org.uk/lord-timpson...
This briefing is informed by consultation with legal, voluntary sector, academic, and civil servant sector experts. We’re grateful to all who contributed, and to
@barrowcadbury.bsky.social for their support.
Read the full report: ayj.org.uk/news-content...
A graphic describing what measures we want to see for criminally exploited young people caught up in the justice system.
Safeguarding must come first, joined up across agencies, and beyond a young person’s 18th birthday, so that children and young people are supported into safe and positive futures.
08.10.2025 15:47 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0The new CCE offence in the Crime and Policing Bill is a critical opportunity to improve the response for victims but it must be accompanied by statutory guidance and training to address risks of criminalising exploited young adults and promote safeguarding.
08.10.2025 15:47 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
A graphic describing the cliff edge faced by exploited young people in the justice system at 18.
At 18, many young people hit a cliff edge:
🔹Support from children’s services stops
🔹Exploitation continues but is less likely to be recognised
🔹Risk of being criminalised rises
Safeguarding must continue into adulthood.
Our new briefing looks at what happens when exploited children turn 18. Safeguarding often ends, but exploitation continues, risking criminalisation.
With a new CCE offence in the Crime & Policing Bill, safeguards are vital to protect young adults.
www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...
Today’s HMI Prisons report shows how YOIs are failing to build trust between children and staff.
Custody must only ever be a last resort, and when used, must prioritise children's wellbeing. It’s time to close YOIs & invest in Secure Children’s Homes.
Comment piece: www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...
Our CEO, Jess Mullen, featured on C5 News discussing youth custody.
There wasn’t space for everything we shared — but here’s the key point:
The MoJ must commit to closing YOIs & STCs, and set out a long-term vision where custody is a last resort for children.
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qMb...
A photo of Jess Mullen with the text, 'The View, reflections and updates from AYJ CEO Jess Mullen' underneath.
NEW: The View — reflections and updates from our CEO Jess Mullen.
It’s been a busy start to 2025:
• Joint statement opposing PAVA in the children’s secure estate
• Members’ meeting with Sir Nic Dakin MP
• Published 'Adultifying Youth Custody'
And more to come.
🔗 www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...
The decision to arm YOI staff with PAVA spray is dangerous, unjustified, and risks deepening disparities already in the system. 37 orgs agree: the answer is not more force—it’s more support. Custody must be a last resort.
Read the full statement here:
🔗 www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...
We had a productive members' meeting with the Minister for Youth Justice @nicdakinmp.bsky.social yesterday.
Thank you to everybody who attended and brought their questions!
