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07/10/2022
Justice Minister Commits To Improving Youth Justice System
Justice Minister Naomi Long has reiterated her commitment to delivering a youth justice system that benefits all children.
In a written statement to the Assembly, in response to research on potential over-representation in the youth justice system in Northern Ireland, the Minister said she wanted to ensure the most vulnerable children in our society have the best life chances and outcomes.
The research was commissioned and funded by the Department of Justice, and undertaken by Queens University, Belfast.
Minister Long said: "With the support of partners, we have made significant inroads into addressing offending behaviour by children. Over the last decade, there has been a reduction of over 50% in the number of children entering the justice system for the first time for offending behaviour, and an almost 60% reduction in the number of children dealt with by youth courts.
"Work, such as that led by the Youth Justice Agency, on earlier stage diversion and joint initiatives between my Department, PSNI and PPS have all greatly contributed to this positive picture.
"I am fully committed to playing my role to deliver further improvements in the youth justice system for the benefit of all children and to work in partnership with others to address the underlying vulnerabilities that lead to offending behaviour in children."
In a written statement to the Assembly, in response to research on potential over-representation in the youth justice system in Northern Ireland, the Minister said she wanted to ensure the most vulnerable children in our society have the best life chances and outcomes.
The research was commissioned and funded by the Department of Justice, and undertaken by Queens University, Belfast.
Minister Long said: "With the support of partners, we have made significant inroads into addressing offending behaviour by children. Over the last decade, there has been a reduction of over 50% in the number of children entering the justice system for the first time for offending behaviour, and an almost 60% reduction in the number of children dealt with by youth courts.
"Work, such as that led by the Youth Justice Agency, on earlier stage diversion and joint initiatives between my Department, PSNI and PPS have all greatly contributed to this positive picture.
"I am fully committed to playing my role to deliver further improvements in the youth justice system for the benefit of all children and to work in partnership with others to address the underlying vulnerabilities that lead to offending behaviour in children."
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