Young people, law and criminal justice system

The government has published an update on progress made since the family justice review was published in 2011. To download the update visit www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/346005/family-justice-review-update.pdf. The update is accompanied by a guide written for young people, available to download at www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/346021/fjr-childrens-and-young-peoples-guide.pdf.

The National Youth Advocacy Service and the Association of Lawyers for Children have published a report on children and young people's views on proposals to increase media reporting in family courts. Those interviewed for the report were unanimously against the proposals saying family courts were private for a good reason. To download the report visit www.nyas.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/NYAS-ALC-REPORT-CHILDREN-SAFEGUARDING-AND-NEXT-STEPS-MEDIA-ACCESS-TO-FAMILY-COURTS-FINAL-7.pdf.

A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman investigating deaths of young adults in custody, has warned that more needs to be done to combat bullying, as out of 80 deaths since 2007, one in five had been bullied in the month before their death. The report also calls for a better understanding of suicide risks amongst young offenders. To download the report visit www.ppo.gov.uk/docs/LLB_FII_06_Young_adults_.pdf.

The Youth Justice Board has produced a checklist of targets to help youth offending teams work more effectively with female young offenders, which can be downloaded at www.cypnow.co.uk/digital_assets/524/YOT-healthcheck-girls-1.doc.