Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Crime Solicitors

Youth justice system to put education and training at the heart of services (13 December 2016)

Date: 13/12/2016
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Youth justice system to put education and training at the heart of services

Justice Minister Elizabeth Truss has announced that education will be at the heart of youth justice – with two secure schools planned and new measures to monitor progress in English, mathematics, health and behaviour.

There will also be a £15 million fund to boost frontline staff by 20% and improve safety.

A Head of Operations will be appointed for youth custody, to reduce violence and drive up standards – dedicated officers will be responsible for overseeing young offenders’ progress.

The government aims to have every young person on an apprenticeship pathway that will continue, even after they have left custody, with education and training at the heart of youth justice.

The Justice Secretary made the announcement in response to a ground-breaking review led by child behavioural expert, Charlie Taylor. The majority of Mr Taylor’s recommendations are being taken forward, with immediate investment and resourcing aimed at improving safety.

The overhaul of the system will also focus on life beyond bars, with a youth custody apprenticeship scheme being developed to build strong relationships with employers, ensuring that all young people are earning or learning on release.

The government says that, while the number of children in custody has fallen significantly, those who remain in the system have serious and complex needs. Tackling the factors that contribute to criminality and intervening at a young age is key to breaking the cycle of re-offending – making Britain’s streets safer and improving young people’s life chances.

Justice Secretary, Elizabeth Truss said:

“I am grateful to Charlie Taylor for his comprehensive and in depth review, which sets out the stark issues we must tackle to help young offenders to live law abiding lives.

“Prisons rightly punish people who break the law, but they should also be a place where offenders are reformed.

“While young people are in custody, we need to make sure they get the right education and training, so they can lead law abiding lives – and in turn make our streets and communities safer too.

“The measures I have set out today are the beginning of a series of reforms which will help us cut re-offending, make our communities safer – and create a justice system that works for everyone.
“Under the new system, the progress that young offenders make in education will be measured – as well as improvements in health and behaviour – to show how well establishments are doing in delivering the right teaching and training, and ensuring they are held to account.”

Child behavioural expert Charlie Taylor added:

“Education needs to be central to our response to youth offending – it is the building block on which a life free from crime can be constructed.

“I welcome the Justice Secretary’s plans to reform the youth justice system and focus on education and training.

“If children who offend are to become successful and law abiding adults, the focus must be on improving their welfare, health and education – their life prospects – rather than simply imposing punishment.”


Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers are available 24/7, 365 days a year to advise at any stage of a criminal charge, including serious organised crime, violent crime, sexual offences, terrorism charges, human trafficking and modern slavery charges, robbery, drugs offences, business crime and motoring offences.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can attend interview under caution within an hour.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons to advise on criminal charges, including youth courts and YOIs.

For expert legal advice on criminal charges, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.


For all Crime related matter contact us now.Contact Us

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is 143-149 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 6BL. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.