Reforming the youth courts – A response to the Carlile Inquiry Kathryn Harrison JP Chairman, Youth Courts Committee Magistrates’ Association 24th Sept 2014

Appointed Chair of the Youth Committee of the Magistrates Association in October 2013. JP for 27 years in South Yorkshire. Member of the Youth Panel now chair, for 22 years. Recently retired from a 30 year career as a secondary school teacher much of it in middle management as Head of History. Worked for most of this time in a 11 to 18 comprehensive school in an ex mining community which was transformed into a successful academy.

Problem Solving Approach Current practise? How to balance offence or offender focus.

Thoughts on Problem Solving Conferences Cases on cusp of custody All those under 14 Other criteria? Rather like a referral order panel before the sentence is decided – involving families and victims YOT would identify problems and address them

Thoughts on Problem Solving Courts Those in danger of imprisonment - first breach of ISSP – second breach of community orders. Other criteria? YOT responsible for identifying problems and enlisting agencies to address them. Monitoring and reviewing.

To achieve a change in behaviour in these young people. Desired Outcome To achieve a change in behaviour in these young people. I would welcome input into this debate please address comments to me via dustin.hutchinson@magistrates-association.org.uk

www.magistrates-association.org.uk