Youth Justice Board
The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) is a non-departmental public body created by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to oversee the youth justice system for England and Wales. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, and its Board members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice. It also receives funding from the Home Office and the Department for Education. In November 2011 the government dropped plans, contained in the Public Bodies Bill, to abolish the Youth Justice Board. Previous chairmen include Rod Morgan & Frances Done.
Function
The YJB works to prevent offending, reduce re-offending, protect the public, support victims of crime, and to promote the safety and welfare of children and young people in the Criminal Justice System.
The YJB wants an effective youth justice system where young people receive support to allow them to lead crime-free lives. They want to see more offenders caught, held accountable for their actions and then stop offending. They also want better support form victims of crime and better protection for the public.
Their duties include:
- overseeing youth justice services
- identifying and disseminating effective practice across youth justice services
- commissioning a distinct secure estate
- placing young people in custody
Members of the YJB’s Board are appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice. The current chair is Lord McNally.
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