About

History

The National Association for Youth Justice was established in Britain in the early 1990s following the merger between the National Intermediate Treatment Federation (NITFed) and the Association for Youth Justice (A.Y.J).

Since the Youth Justice reforms of the late 1990s, the Association has undertaken a major review of its overarching philosophy and policy regarding the youth justice system. The first stage of this was the formulation of "Working with Children - The Philosophical Base."

The philosophy was offered as a set of values and beliefs which should underpin legislation policy and practice. The second stage, the Association's manifesto, was built upon this foundation and is compliant with human and children's rights.

Statement of Purpose

  • The purpose of the NAYJ is to promote the rights of, and justice for, children in trouble.
  • The NAYJ will campaign for the development and implementation of policies and practice that are consistent with this purpose.

The NAYJ will implement the Statement of Purpose by:

  • Promoting responses to children within the criminal justice system, which encourage them to take responsibility for their actions while remaining in the community.
  • Promoting the principles of anti-discrimination, anti-oppression, diversion, decriminalisation and decarceration.
    Promoting the belief that the rights and welfare of children must be paramount throughout the youth justice system.
  • Publicising examples of effective policies and practice.
  • Promoting and encouraging community based methods of working with children in trouble that maintain their rights and safeguard their welfare.
  • Campaigning to influence legislation.
  • Providing information and training with the aim of improving the quality and effectiveness of work with children in trouble.

Activities

  • NAYJ publishes "Youth Justice" jointly with Sage Publishing.
  • NAYJ Newsletter.
  • NAYJ organises national and regional training events.
  • NAYJ campaigns actively at national and regional levels, with a regional structure covering the England and practical liaison with Cynydd in Wales and Include Youth in Northern Ireland.
  • NAYJ is represented on the Standing Committee for Youth Justice, the Penal Affairs Consortium, the Children's Rights Alliance and other national bodies.
  • NAYJ responds to all Government consultation documents on youth justice matters.

Membership

  • Membership applications are welcome from anyone involved or interested in the youth justice process.
  • Membership is dependent on payment of a subscription (currently £30, £5 unwaged) and the applicant's agreement to the NAYJ's Statement of Purpose.

The subscription to NAYJ includes:

  • Up to date information about youth justice matters circulated to members.
  • Opportunties to campaign nationally and locally, with support from the national committee.
  • Three issues of "The Youth Justice Journal" each year.
  • Regular Newsletters
  • Discounts on Annual Conference fee and other training events
  • Voting and membership rights.