Our mission
The YJB oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales. We work 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. Specifically, we:
- advise the Secretary of State on the operation of, and standards for, the youth justice system
- monitor the performance of the youth justice system
- purchase places for, and place, children and young people remanded or sentenced to custody
- identify and promote effective practice
- make grants to local authorities and other bodies to support the development of effective practice
- commission research and publish information.
We base all our work on evidence, where this exists.
Our vision
Our vision is of an effective youth justice system, where:
- more offenders are caught, held to account for their actions, and stop offending
- children and young people receive the support they need to lead crime-free lives
- victims are better supported
- the public has more confidence in the youth justice system.
Our values
Everything we do is based upon our core principles.
- Leadership - we use our influence to help meet our vision for the youth justice system.
- Partnership - we recognise the value of working with others to help deliver our goals and targets.
- Teamwork - we encourage people to work within and across boundaries.
- Openness - we strive to work in an open and straightforward way, and to share information, knowledge, experience and skills.
- Respect - we value the diversity and experience of all our colleagues and partners. We work to ensure that children and young people who receive youth justice services are treated with respect, and that in turn they respect their community.
- Trust - we aim to be respected for our integrity, behaviour and commitment.