“I think it is important as it’s about young people’s lives so they should be the ones to lead and make decisions about their life, including the law. It also makes them feel like people are listening”
To make sure that it’s getting Scotland’s new Vision and Action Plan for Youth Justice right for young people, the Scottish Government has commissioned Youth Justice Voices to develop an engagement strategy.
With the support and training of Youth Justice Voices participation workers, young people will develop a range of tools to gather the views of justice experienced children and young people on what the priority areas for the next two years and beyond should be. They’ll also consider key issues such as the Age of Criminal Responsibility place of safety and the extension of the Children’s Hearings System.
How do young people take part?
YJV are looking for existing youth and participation groups and organisations currently using Zoom or online platforms to support young people, to take part in confidential online engagement workshops throughout September. If you think you know of anyone who would be interested, please get in touch with ruth@staf.scot to discuss.
The first activity will focus on the Scottish Government’s consultation on extending the age at which a child can be referred to the Children’s Hearing System. This will take place on September 22 (1pm-2.30pm), with YJV joining other organisations to hold an open Zoom for people aged 16-25 who want to express their views on this issue. If you – or someone you work with – want to take part, please sign up via this link.
What happens next?
Views captured in these sessions will be presented anonymously to youth justice policy makers. Feedback is essential, and the Scottish Government have given assurance that they will create a feedback loop and other ways to participate for those who aren’t online (including within HMP&YOI Polmont) based on the Youth Justice Visionaries suggestions.
Contact ruth@staf.scot to find out more.