The YJB have notified YOT Managers of the possibility of COVID-19 releases from the secure estate for a small number of low risk children. Over the coming weeks YOTs and Governors/Directors will be assessing individual children who may be suitable. The YJB are developing joint guidance with YCS to support assessments of suitability taking into account any risks and safeguarding concerns. The YJB has been given an assurance from the Ministry of Justice that children will only be released when the Youth Offending Team is satisfied that a child can be safely managed in the community: victims of any children being released will be contacted to be advised of the child’s release.
AYM Chair signs joint letter, regarding judicial decision-making concerning children in the criminal courts, in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Click here to read the full letter.
Youth Offending Teams celebrate 20 years of success with a call for a new commitment to working in partnership – PRESS RELEASE
Please click on the link to read the Press Release and click here for the speech given by Andy Peaden, AYM Chair.
Results from governance arrangement survey
Members will recall that we launched an online survey in December asking about current governance arrangement for local YOT partnerships. The survey will help shape our contribution to the YJB’s work to update its guidance, ‘Modern Youth Offending Partnerships’. We are grateful to the 48 colleagues who took the time to respond. We have posted the full results here with a summary of the key findings.
Hillingdon, AYM condolences
The AYM is both shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of a young person in Hillingdon YOT on Friday 8 November 2019. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and for our colleagues in Hillingdon YOT, to whom we offer any support we can.
AYM Autumn Conference 16 October 2019
AYM members enjoyed an excellent autumn conference at the University of Derby on 16 October 2019. Many thanks to Unitas for hosting this event. More information on speakers and their talks can be found here. Twitter discussion can be found using #aymautumnconf
Autumn Conference 16 October, University of Derby
The AYM autumn conference is taking place at the University of Derby on 16 October 2019.
Talks and speakers are as follows and presentations will be available on the events page soon after the event.
- Youth Justice Institute: ‘Setting the Scene’ – Rob Allen and Professor Phil Hodgson
- Learning Hub – Sally Brown
- Apprenticeships – Louise Morgan
- Looked After Children: Research Findings – Ann-Marie Day
- Secure College – Steve Chalke MBE
- HMIP YOT Inspections – Justin Russell
The event is open to YOT Managers but there is a waiting list for other professionals if spaces allow. Please contact us if you would like to attend,
AYM response to the Labour Party Policy Review of the Criminal Justice System
The AYM response to the Labour Party Policy review of the criminal justice system was submitted today (Friday 28 June 2019) and can be read here.
Another Successful AGM: More YOTs Awarded with the Quality Mark for SEND!
The Annual Conference and AGM on 5 June 2019 in Rugby proved to be another great success with speakers providing some really interesting information on peer reviews, sport in prisons, overuse of remands and approaches to serious violence. The AYM was also pleased to recognise the achievements of four more areas – Blackburn, Hackney, Kirklees and St Helens – in reaching the required standards for our Youth Justice SEND Quality Mark Award.
Blackburn Send Award
Hackney SEND award
The Youth Justice SEND Quality Mark recognises good partnership work in local areas for the benefit of children with special educational needs. The standards for the award were developed with the support of the DfE and YJB and with input from academics and practitioners.
Kirklees SEND Award
St Helens SEND Award
For information on how to gain this award follow this link.
Response to Public Consultation on Mental Health Conditions and Disorders: Draft legal guidance
In early June, AYM responded to the Public consultation on Mental Health Conditions and Disorders: Draft Legal Guidance. This is a new revised proposal of CPS guidance on prosecuting defendants with mental health issues. You can read the AYM response here.