Youth justice should move from Home Office to DfES, says Howard League

Howard League for Penal Reform director Frances Crook has today called on the government to move the Home Office’s youth justice responsibilities to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

The cabinet is due to meet today to discuss plans to split the Home Office between a ministry of security and a ministry of justice.

Crook has written to ministers, stating that the proposed split was a “once in a generation opportunity” to move youth justice, including the Youth Justice Board, from the proposed ministeries to DfES.

Crook’s letter said this would be promote a more holistic approach to young offenders’ needs, help prevent crime and save money tied up in the secure estate.