On 17 June 2025, Jane Hutt MS, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, made an oral statement in the Senedd on the Women’s and Youth Justice Blueprints.
In response, Karin Phillips MBE, the Youth Justice Board (YJB) Board member for Wales, expressed the YJB’s full support for the Welsh Government’s continued commitment to improving youth justice.
Phillips highlighted the progress made and reaffirmed the YJB’s dedication to implementing the principles of the Youth Justice Blueprint, which emphasizes a trauma-informed, rights-based approach to justice for children in Wales.
The YJB’s Response to the Welsh Government’s Commitment
Support for the Welsh Government’s Continued Partnership
Karin Phillips MBE welcomed the Welsh Government’s ongoing commitment to working in partnership to improve youth justice. She praised the Youth Justice Blueprint for laying strong foundations for a system that prioritizes the rights and needs of children.
The YJB shares this vision, focusing on a child-first approach that recognizes the unique needs of young people involved in the justice system.
Emphasis on Trauma-Informed and Rights-Based Approaches
Phillips reaffirmed the YJB’s commitment to ensuring that the principles of the Blueprint continue to shape youth justice in Wales. The focus remains on early intervention, diversion from formal justice processes, and ensuring that the whole-system approach remains central to how services operate.
The YJB emphasizes the importance of providing trauma-informed support, understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences, and addressing individual needs to prevent further involvement in crime.
Progress and Achievements
The progress made under the Youth Justice Blueprint has been significant, Phillips noted. One of the main achievements has been the reduction of first-time entrants into the youth justice system.
Additionally, the promotion of community-based alternatives to custody has been a key focus, helping to prevent the unnecessary detention of young people. Phillips acknowledged these successes but stressed the need for continued efforts to sustain and build on this progress.
Collaboration and Shared Accountability
The YJB highlighted that sustained progress requires continuous collaboration and shared accountability among all partners involved in the youth justice system.
The YJB will work closely with the Welsh Government and other stakeholders to ensure that the principles of the Blueprint are embedded into daily operations and that all children’s needs and potential are at the heart of interventions.
Transitioning to a New Chapter
The statement emphasized that the Youth Justice Blueprint has entered a new phase. This marks a transition where both devolved and non-devolved services need to align to bring about lasting change for children, victims, and communities across Wales.
Phillips expressed the YJB’s ongoing dedication to delivering real change and ensuring that the lessons learned so far continue to guide future initiatives in youth justice.
The Youth Justice Blueprint for Wales
The Youth Justice Blueprint for Wales was launched in 2019, outlining a unique and innovative approach to youth justice. Unlike traditional justice models, the Blueprint focuses on early intervention and prevention to address the root causes of criminal behavior.
It aims to divert children from crime, offer holistic support to those who enter the criminal justice system, and ensure that interventions are tailored to the individual needs of each child.
The Blueprint is centered around a trauma-informed and rights-based approach, focusing on rehabilitation and restorative practices rather than punitive measures.
Its goal is to create a justice system that is not only fair but also compassionate, providing children with the tools they need to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
The YJB’s response to the Welsh Government’s statement demonstrates a continued commitment to improving youth justice in Wales.
With a focus on early intervention, diversion from the justice system, and a whole-system approach, the Youth Justice Blueprint is set to bring lasting, positive change for children and communities across Wales.
As the YJB moves into a new phase, ongoing collaboration and shared responsibility remain crucial for achieving the vision of a trauma-informed, rights-based youth justice system.
