Thank you to everyone that responded to the consultation on Youth Justice: The Scaled Approach, the revised draft National Standards for Youth Justice and the new case management guidance.
Our first review of the 150 responses received shows a high level of support for the Scaled Approach, with a number of useful issues and questions being raised. We will be working through these issues over the coming weeks, involving key stakeholders in the process with a view to refining the Scaled Approach model as well as making improvements to National Standards and case management guidance.
Please note that while you can still order or download the publication, Youth Justice: The Scaled Approach, it is now subject to change in response to the consultation feedback. A summary of the consultation responses will be published on this website soon.
We have decided that it is sensible to synchronise implementation of the Scaled Approach with that of the Youth Rehabilitation Order and other youth justice-related provisions contained within the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, subject to its continuing consideration by Parliament. Our target date for implementing both is April 2009 when we also expect to publish revised National Standards for Youth Justice Services and the new case management guidance.
In the meantime YOTs, other than the designated pilot sites, must continue to adhere to the minimum standards as outlined in National Standards for Youth Justice 2004. You are reminded that there is lots you can do to develop practice in anticipation of the changes to National Standards. We will be working with YOTs during 2008/9 to help lay the foundations for successful implementation and will communicate in more detail about how we will work together. In the meantime YOTs should anticipate substantial staff training between October 2008-March 2009 to help staff understand the key practice and legislative changes.