Why it matters: Suffolk County Council has backed a Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26 that it says puts children at the heart of the system, focusing on their wellbeing and potential rather than punishment alone.
The big picture: The plan represents a shift towards what officials call a "Child First" approach, treating young offenders as children first and addressing the barriers they face.
The details: Suffolk's Youth Justice Service has made significant progress over the past year:
Fewer children are entering the formal youth justice system for the first time
Police custody overnight detentions have decreased
Community and custodial orders have fallen compared to the previous year
The National Youth Justice Board highlighted Suffolk's good practice following a reduction in serious violence offences by children
What's next: The 2025/26 plan sets out four strategic priorities:
Reduce the number of children entering the youth justice system
Reduce reoffending by children in the youth justice system
Reduce the use of youth detention and improve resettlement outcomes
Improve safety, wellbeing, and outcomes for children in or on the edges of the youth justice system
What's new: A Youth Advisory Board will be established to give children who have had contact with the justice system a direct voice in shaping services.
What they're saying: "I'm a firm believer that our youth justice system must treat children as children and see the whole child, including any barriers they face," said Cllr Bobby Bennett, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services. "Our focus is on creating better outcomes for children, which ultimately helps to make our communities safer and helps children to thrive."
Assistant Chief Constable Eamonn Bridger, who chairs the Suffolk Youth Justice Management Board, said: "We want to make sure all children in our local system are given the best chance to fulfil their potential."
For context: The Youth Justice Management Board includes representatives from Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk Probation Service, NHS Suffolk and North-East Essex, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Boards, and Suffolk County Council. The service also consults with staff, children, volunteers and victims when developing the plan.
The bottom line: Suffolk's youth justice system is evolving to treat young people as children first, with early results showing fewer young people entering the system and a reduction in serious offences.
