Long launches new resources to help children and families prepare for youth court
Date published:
Justice Minister Naomi Long has today launched new resources aimed at helping children and families better understand and prepare for appearing before a youth court in Northern Ireland.
These include a child-friendly video of what they can expect, and ‘virtual courtroom tours’ which show what the main courts look like, where everyone sits and the roles of those involved in the court process.
Launching the resources, Justice Minister Naomi Long said: We know from speaking to children who have been to court, along with their families and other supporters, that many do not know what to expect when going to court for the first time, or how to prepare for it. Their experience can be one of confusion and a lack of understanding of both the process and the eventual outcome.
As part of my commitments in the Strategic Framework for Youth Justice to improve outcomes for those affected by, or involved in, offending behaviour, work has been undertaken to improve the youth court experience. These new resources are part of that ongoing work. They have been developed with our justice and third sector partners, but most importantly, taking on board the views of those who have personal experience of the youth court.
I would encourage everyone with an interest to view and promote the new resources, whether you are a justice professional, a child or family advocate, or simply someone who needs help and information about the youth court process.
Youth Justice pages on this website have been refreshed to include the new resources alongside a range of useful information on key topics relating to youth justice in Northern Ireland. This includes the work of the Youth Justice Agency and ongoing progress in implementing the Department’s Strategic Framework.
Notes to editors:
- The new youth court resources can be viewed: Going to Court? Help for children and families
- The work was taken forward by a Task and Finish Group established to improve the experiences of youth court hearings for children and their families. The Group comprised representatives of the youth justice system (DoJ, YJA, PSNI, PPS, NICTS, LCJO) along with those from the children’s sector and academia.
- The Strategic Framework for Youth Justice was published in March 2022 alongside a five year Action Plan to improve outcomes for those affected by children’s offending behaviour, including victims, communities, children and families.
- View the updated Youth Justice.
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