Graham Robb, Interim Chair of the YJB, said: “The YJB, an independent non-departmental public body, looks forward to working closely with our new sponsoring department, the Ministry of Justice. We will continue working closely with sentencers, the police and other government agencies with the aim of preventing and reducing re-offending by children and young people under 18.”

“We also welcome the Ministry of Justice plans announced today, to continue to invest in early interventions and prevention to reduce first-time entrants into the Criminal Justice System and to follow the successful multi-agency approach already adopted by the YJB.” 

“We commend the commitment of the Ministry of Justice to develop more personal approaches to sentencing and pre-court work which holds young people to account for their behaviour as well as protecting communities and individuals.”