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 MoJ, 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 (DfE). In November 2011 the government dropped plans, contained in the Public Bodies Bill, to abolish the Youth Justice Board. Previous chairmen include Rod Morgan.

Mission

The YJB works in partnership across the community and commissions the secure estate to:

• prevent offending
• reduce reoffending
• protect the public and support victims
• promote the safety and welfare of children and young people in the Criminal Justice System.

Vision

The YJB wants to see an effective youth justice system where:

• young people receive the support they need to lead crime-free lives
• more offenders are caught, held to account for their actions and stop offending
• victims are better supported
• the public is protected.

Function

• overseeing youth justice services
• identifying and disseminating effective practice across youth justice services
• commissioning a distinct secure estate
• placing young people in custody.

Members

Members of the YJB’s Board are appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice. The current chair is Frances Done. The other current members (as of 2 March 2012) are:

• Dr Alan Billings
• Charles Clark
• Jennifer Izekor
• Rosanna O’Connor
• Bob Reitemeier
• Graham Robb
• Angela Sarkis
• David Simpson
• John Wrangham

External links

• Youth Justice Board