Frameworks & Guidance
AssetPlus Guidance (YJB)
A structured assessment and planning framework used by youth justice services to understand the needs and risks of children.
Case Management Guidance (YJB)
Comprehensive advice on working with children in the youth justice system, covering assessment, court work, interventions, and more.
Child First: Toolkit Guidance (YJB)
Guidance for practical tools and approaches to help embed child-focused practice across youth justice services.
Child Gravity Matrix (NPCC)
A decision-making tool used by police and other agencies to decide on the most appropriate outcome for children under 18.
Effective Practice Guides (HMI Probation)
Practical, evidence-based guidance developed from inspection findings to support practitioners, managers, and leaders in improving youth justice delivery.
Oversight, Assurance and Compliance Framework (YJB)
Sets out how the YJB monitors and supports youth justice services to ensure they meet national standards and improve outcomes for children.
Prevention and Diversion Assessment Tool (YJB)
Helps services identify and address the needs and risks of children at an early stage, aiming to prevent them from entering or progressing further into the youth justice system.
Positive Relational Practice Framework
Sets clear expectations for youth justice services to ensure consistent, high-quality support for children.
Standards for Children in the Youth Justice System (YJB)
Sets clear expectations for youth justice services to ensure consistent, high-quality support for children.
Youth Justice Plans: Guidance for Youth Justice Services (YJB)
Provides considerations for partnerships on the content and structure of youth justice plans, promoting a strength-based approach.
Youth Justice Inspection Framework (HMIP)
This framework is used to assess how effectively local youth justice services support children, focusing on areas such as safety, wellbeing, desistance, and protecting the public.
Legislation
Children Act 1989
Establishes the legal framework for the care and protection of children, including duties on local authorities to safeguard and promote their welfare.
Children Act 2004
Strengthens the 1989 Act by promoting inter-agency cooperation and introduces the role of Children’s Commissioners.
Crime and Disorder Act 1998
Created the Youth Justice Board and Youth Justice Services, introducing key orders such as referral orders and parenting orders.
Education and Skills Act 2008
Practical, evidence-based guidance developed from inspection findings to support practitioners, managers, and leaders in improving youth justice delivery.
Human Rights Act 1998
Guidance for practical tools and approaches to help embed child-focused practice across youth justice services.
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO)
Reformed sentencing and youth remand arrangements, including introducing the remand to youth detention accommodation (RYDA) framework.
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022
Introduced youth justice reforms focused on reducing custodial remand, strengthening community-based alternatives, and increasing flexibility in sentencing.
​UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
This international framework underpins youth justice policy in the UK, including Child First principles.
Education & Employment
Justice Jobs
Find current vacancies in the Ministry of Justice, including roles in youth justice, probation, and secure settings.
National Careers Service (Gov.uk)
Discover job vacancies within the Government sector.
Overview of the youth justice worker role (HMPPS)
Learn about the responsibilities, training, and career progression opportunities for youth justice workers.
Skills for Justice
Supports learning across the justice sector, including apprenticeships and workforce development.
UCAS
Explore higher education courses in youth justice, criminology, sociology, law, and related fields.
UNITAS
Accredited distance learning provider specialising in qualifications and short courses in youth justice.
YJB Resource Hub
The Youth Justice Board's useful platform with toolkits, training materials, frameworks, and examples of effective youth justice practice.
Other Useful Links & Support
Alliance for Youth Justice (AYJ)
A coalition of over 75 organisations advocating for child-centred, rights-based reform in youth justice across England and Wales.
Appropriate Adult Network
A network supporting appropriate adults working with children and vulnerable individuals in police stations and other legal settings.
Beyond Youth Custody (BYC) Pracitioner Guides
A series of evidence-based resources offering practical guidance on effective resettlement for young people leaving custody.
Black Minds Matter UK
A charity dedicated to supporting Black individuals and families by providing free, culturally sensitive therapy from qualified Black therapists.
Howard League for Penal Reform
Campaigning for reform in youth justice with an emphasis on children's rights.
Girl's Working Group (YJB)
A useful webinar featuring insights from Coventry and Cardiff Youth Justice Services and Dr. Gilly Sharpe of the University of Sheffield, focusing on best practices for supporting girls in the youth justice system.
Mind
Offers guidance and resources to help youth justice practitioners recognise and respond to mental health needs in children they work with.
National Association for Youth Justice (NAYJ)
Advocacy, research, and resources on youth justice issues.
Peer Power Youth
A charity working with young people to improve services like mental health, social care and justice through empathy, relationships and youth-led change.
Prison Reform Trust
Provides research, briefings, and practical resources to help youth justice practitioners support children in custody and advocate for fairer treatment within the justice system.
Recognising Diversity in Ressetlement: A Practitioner's Guide (BYC)
Guidance to help practitioners support children’s individual needs during resettlement from custody.
Working with black, Asian and minority ethnic children in the youth justice system: A guide for restorative justice practitioners (RJC)
​A practical guide from the Restorative Justice Council offering insights and strategies for engaging BAME children in restorative justice processes, while addressing cultural sensitivities and systemic disparities.
Working with Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Children and Young People: Effective Practice for Youth Offending Teams (YJB)
A practical guide offering culturally informed strategies to help Youth Justice Services build trust and deliver tailored support to GRT children and families.
Working Together to Safeguard Children
Statutory guidance outlining how organisations and agencies must collaborate to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in England.
Youth justice services contact details (Gov.uk)
Key contact details for YJS/YOTs in England and Wales.