Youth Justice Charter
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Youth Justice Charter sets out the standards a child can expect from the people and organisations they might meet in the youth justice system.
The Youth Justice Charter doesn’t add to or extend existing rights and standards.
It simply sets these out together, in one place, in clear language.
It’s organised into five parts, each representing a stage in a child’s possible youth justice ‘journey’:
For each stage, the charter includes a section explaining what to do and who to contact if standards are not met.
If you work with children, or their parents and carers, make them aware of the charter and play your part in helping to deliver the standards it contains.
We sat on the working group that developed the charter and welcome its publication.
Youth court work, by its very nature, involves complex issues and is increasingly becoming a specialist area of practice.
The vulnerability of clients in the youth court requires those who practice in this area to be familiar with the procedures and relevant law in relation to youth defendants.
We are optimistic that the charter will provide valuable support to our members and their clients.
Find out more
Read more about the charter in the Law Society Gazette.
Lawyers representing children in the youth court need specialist skills, knowledge and expertise.
Explore our guide to advocacy in the youth court.