5 Key Takeaways from the National Youth Justice Conference 2024

As the dust settles on the National Youth Justice Conference 2024, we’re excited to share five key insights from this year’s event.

The National Youth Justice Conference is the Scottish Government’s flagship event for youth justice practitioners, hosted in partnership with the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ) and the National Youth Justice Advisory Group (NYJAG). On 19-20 June, over 250 practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and youth justice experts gathered at the Court Hotel in Stirling to exchange experiences and deepen their understanding.

This year’s conference also marked the launch of CYCJ’s Youth Justice Practice Guide 2024, an essential resource updated annually for anyone interested in youth justice. Keynote speakers included Graeme Armstrong, award-winning author and former gang member; Natalie Don, Scottish Government Minister for Children, Young People, and the Promise; Cedric Foussard, a renowned international expert on child justice; and Nicola Killean, the Children’s Commissioner for Scotland.

Here are five standout takeaways:

1. Great change is coming

The timing of the conference was impeccable. Just two weeks prior, the historic Children Care and Justice Act 2024 received royal assent, and the implementation of the UNCRC Act is on the horizon. The conference theme, “Implementing Change and Protecting Rights,” captured the excitement surrounding the future of youth justice policy and practice, creating a palpable sense of anticipation.

In her opening keynote on Day 1, Scottish Government Minister Natalie Don outlined the significant steps her government is taking to: “deliver a proactive culture of accountability for children’s rights across public services in Scotland, ensuring that we respect, protect, and fulfil children’s rights.”

She also praised CYCJ’s work on Reimagining Secure Care and launched an updated version of the Scottish Government’s Youth Justice Vision 2024-26. There was optimism for other impending changes, with lively discussions and workshops about redesigning the Children’s Hearings System.

2. Many are doing fantastic work across Scotland

This year’s conference celebrated Scotland’s remarkable progress in youth justice. On Day 2, keynote speaker Cedric Foussard highlighted how Scotland’s approach is viewed positively worldwide and welcomed the planned incorporation of the UNCRC.

Beyond high-level changes, the conference also focused on grassroots progress, often driven by the active involvement of children, young people, and their families. A shining example was the award-winning video by Our Hearings Our Voice, produced in collaboration with children, which underscored the importance of language in the Children’s Hearing System. The video was met with enthusiasm by conference attendees.

Day 1’s lightning talks and panel discussions emphasised the local authority perspective on implementing change, particularly the importance of speech and language, building strong relationships, and avoiding stigmatisation of children. Thanks to Gerard McKendrick, Andrew Gillies, and Alison Penman for their contributions.

Workshops also shared positive stories of progress, such as the journey of the Oberstown Children Detention Campus towards a rights-based, participative approach.

3. New areas are emerging

The synergy between practice development, policymaking, research, and active engagement with children and young people drives a deeper understanding of youth justice.

This was evident in a workshop co-organised by CYCJ and Clan Childlaw, which expanded the concept of ‘Access to Justice’ beyond the judicial system to include the systemic complexities surrounding it.

CYCJ Director Fiona Dyer, a Day 1 keynote speaker, identified Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) as a growing area of focus and an alternative lens through which to view many children labelled as ‘offenders.’ This was also the subject of an informative session led by Action for Children and CYCJ, which provided practitioners with tools to identify CCE.

4. Much more still needs to be done

Amid the recognition of progress and optimism for future changes, the conference also addressed current frustrations and shortcomings in youth justice processes. Dr Heather Ottaway from Celsis presented findings from the Children’s Services Reform Research Study Scotland, noting:

“There is much emphasis on ensuring children’s views are heard, but inconsistency in how these views are acted upon.”

Delegates watched “Alright?”, a compelling animation by Clan Childlaw, created in partnership with children and young people, which highlighted how language and behaviour used by key figures in the care and justice system can marginalise children.

While the Minister’s reference to the Children Care and Justice Act 2024 was warmly received, there was concern about the uncertainty surrounding the act’s full implementation. This was a recurring theme throughout the conference, not just in the dedicated workshop.

There was also an understanding of the broader systemic issues that contribute to children coming into conflict with the law. On Day 2, Will Linden from the Violence Reduction Unit gave a lightning talk on how, despite progress, the concepts of choice, risk, and rights are not equal for all children.

Will was part of a panel discussion with Dan Johnson from Kibble and CYCJ’s Carole Murphy, where they explored how to engage communities amid the social media-driven demonisation of young people. Negative attitudes towards youth, and the punitive response to typical childhood behaviour, were common challenges discussed at the conference.

Nicola Killean, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner emphasised that while legislation is crucial, it is only the beginning. To truly make a difference, we must address child poverty and involve children and young people in shaping and advising on future policies.

CYCJ Director Fiona Dyer delivered a passionate speech about the need for change, sharing a poignant image of her son and his friends, carefree at a birthday party. She noted that in just a year, many will turn 12 and be held criminally responsible for split-second mistakes. The call to raise the Age of Criminal Responsibility was echoed by several speakers, including the Children’s Commissioner, who argued that 14 should be the minimum age.

5. We need to embed a trauma-informed, rights-based, whole-system approach

One of the most memorable moments of the conference was Graeme Armstrong’s powerful talk on his journey out of gang violence. He spoke candidly about why he and many others turned to a life of violence and drugs and how he ultimately changed his path. His story was a poignant reminder of the importance of seeing the person, not just their actions, and the critical role of relationships.

In closing the conference, Grace Fletcher highlighted the hope inspired by the Children Care and Justice Act and the commitment in the room to a rights-based approach. However, she also acknowledged that much work remains to be done.

There was a resounding call from speakers and workshops to recognise and appropriately respond to the trauma and adversity faced by many children in conflict with the law. Children with care experience, living in poverty, or with speech, language, and communication needs are disproportionately represented among those who encounter the justice system. Addressing these systemic issues, while maximising a child-friendly, inclusive, rights-based approach, is essential. Greater participation of children, young people, and families is key to achieving this.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, workshop hosts, and attendees for making this conference a truly fantastic event.