Youth Justice Board

The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body, funded by and reporting to the Ministry of Justice. The Board's 10-12 members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice.

Mission

The YJB oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales. It works to prevent offending and reoffending by children and young people under the age of 18, and to ensure that custody for them is safe, secure, and addresses the causes of their offending behaviour. Specifically, the Board:

* advises the Secretary of State for Justice on the operation of, and standards for, the youth justice system
* monitors the performance of the youth justice system
* purchases places for, and places, children and young people remanded or sentenced to custody
* identifies and promotes effective practice
* makes grants to local authorities and other bodies to support the development of effective practice
* commissions research and publishes information.

The Board claims to base all its work on evidence, where this exists.

Vision

The Board's vision is of an effective youth justice system, where:

* more offenders are caught, held to account for their actions, and stop offending
* children and young people receive the support they need to lead crime-free lives
* victims are better supported
* the public has more confidence in the youth justice system

Members

Members of the YJB are appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice. The current chair is vacant after the resignation of Professor Rod Morgan in January 2007. The other current members (as at 22 September 2007) are:

* Graham Robb (interim chair)
* Bob Reitemeier
* Rosemary Hartill
* Dr Julie Hollyman
* David Simpson
* Chris Holmes CBE
* Rev Dr Alan Billings
* Dr Howard Williamson CBE
* Salima Hafejee
* Charles Clark
* Rosanna O'Connor

External links

* [http://www.yjb.gov.uk/en-gb/ Youth Justice Board]
* [http://yjj.sagepub.com Youth Justice: An International Journal]