Youth Justice Board to face major review

The Youth Justice Board’s powers, accountability and operational capacity will be the subject of a major review over the next five months.

The review, to be led by independent co-chair Dame Sue Street – who used to run the Department for Culture, Media and Sport – and YJB chair Frances Done, will focus on the strategic objectives outlined in the YJB’s 2009/10 corporate plan and the arrangements in place to deliver them.

Interested parties can contribute their views on key issues including the YJB’s corporate governance, monitoring of the youth justice system, commissioning of places in the secure estate for children and young people, and identification and promotion of best practice.

The review is due to be completed by February 2010. Dame Sue Street and Done will be supported by a steering group of officials from the Ministry of Justice, Home Office, Department for Children, Schools and Families, the YJB itself, and the Welsh Assembly Government, as the YJB oversees youth justice in Wales as well as in England.

Key commitments in the YJB’s corporate plan for 2009/10 include the development of a new strategy for the secure estate for children and young people, and to take forward the action plan drawn up following an independent review of safeguarding in the secure estate.

This story will be updated over the next day.

Email review@yjb.gov.uk with your contributions

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