The latest issue of Scottish Justice Matters, which focuses on children, young people and justice, was
co-edited by the Centre for Youth & Criminal Justice (CYCJ).
Living it: Children, young people and justice shares the experiences and reflections of those who have come into contact with the justice system as young people.
Joining CYCJ in the editorial team were Susie Cameron and Brian Rogers. The team had collective experience of being the victims of offending as young people; being involved in offending as young people; supporting young people involved or at risk of becoming involved in the justice system; and supporting those who work with young people.
Features include first-hand accounts from young people of building a future with a criminal record in your past, a day in the life of a secure care unit and the impact of offending on employment opportunities. There are also articles on mental health, what it’s like to have a child/parent in custody and cyber-bullying, plus feedback from young people on the adults who helped them turn their life around.
Claire Lightowler, Director of CYCJ, said: “Our main aim in editing this issue has been to create a space for those who have come into contact with the justice system as young people to share their experiences and reflections. We think this issue is a bit different from many publications about children, young people and justice. Rather than focusing on services, structures or organisations we started editing this from the perspective of the issues that were important to young people themselves (or often actually to adults now reflecting back on their experiences as young people). We hope that it is an enjoyable and informative read for everyone.”
Scottish Justice Matters is a free publication which seeks to share knowledge and ideas about justice and injustice primarily for a policy and practice audience.