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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the YJB and what does it do?
A: The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) oversees the youth justice system. It works to prevent offending and reoffending by children and young people under the age of 18, and to ensure that custody for them is safe, secure, and addresses the causes of their offending behaviour.
The YJB advises the Secretary of State on the operation of, and standards for, the youth justice system; monitors the performance of the youth justice system; purchases places for, and places, children and young people remanded or sentenced to custody; identifies and promotes effective practice; makes grants to local authorities or other bodies to support the development of effective practice; commissions research and publishes information.
Click for our Corporate and Business Plan 2006/07-2007/08 and Annual Report and Accounts 2005/06.
Q: Is the YJB a Government department?
A: No. The YJB is an executive non-departmental public body (NDPB). Its 12 Board members are appointed by the Secretary of State.
Q: Does the YJB manage the YOTs?
A: No. Youth offending teams (YOTs) are managed by local authorities. There is a YOT in every local authority in England and Wales. YOTs are made up of representatives from the police, Probation Service, social services, health, education, drugs and alcohol misuse and housing officers. Each YOT is managed by a YOT manager who is responsible for co-ordinating the work of the local youth justice services. The YOTs are key to the success of the youth justice system.
Q: Is the YJB responsible for managing the secure estate (custody) for children and young people?
A: No. The YJB is responsible for placing children and young people, under-18, remanded or sentenced to custody and, in most cases, decides which custodial establishment a young person is sent to. The key guidance document on making placements, Secure Facilities Placement Guidance, can be downloaded from the practitioners’ area of this website.
The YJB is also reponsible for setting the standards for custodial facilities. Click to order or download our Strategy for the Secure Estate for Children and Young People, which explains how we will develop the secure estate.