Youth Justice Agency
The principal aim of the Youth Justice Agency is to prevent offending by children. In doing so, it delivers a range of services, often in partnership with others, to help children address their offending behaviour, divert them from crime, assist their integration into the community, and meet the needs of victims of crime.
In fulfilling our responsibilities, we will :-
- Encourage children to recognise the effects of crime and to take responsibility for their actions;
- Have regard for the welfare of children for whom we are providing services with a view to furthering their personal, social and educational development; and
- Work with the victims of crime and take account of their views of the process and its outcome.
There are three operational strands to the service provided by the Agency: Community Services, Youth Conference Service and Custodial Provision. In addition, a Corporate Services Directorate provides for the management and delivery of personnel, finance, business planning and support functions on behalf of the Chief Executive.
Community Services
Community Services aim to help children to avoid crime. It works with a range of partners in the community to provide support to young people at risk of offending and their families.
Youth Conference Service
Youth Conference Services aim to develop restorative approaches which challenge young offenders to make amends for their behaviour to their victims and to put in place actions which will contribute to the prevention of further offending.
Custodial Services
Custodial Services aim to provide young people with a safe and secure environment to help reduce their offending behaviour and successfully re-integrate them into the community by making a positive contribution to their knowledge, life skills and experience.
For more information on the Youth Justice Agency, please click here.