We are recruiting a paid Membership Administration Intern to work with us to support our members! We're particularly keen to hear from people with personal experience of the youth justice system (this could include policing/arrest, youth offending services, courts, custody or alt interventions).

Our next AYJ members’ meeting takes place online on 2 April, 12.00–1.30pm. Guest speaker: Alison Clarke, Executive Director of the Youth Custody Service. We’ll also share polling insights on public attitudes to child imprisonment and wider policy updates. Register here: luma.com/vc28wx79

Could you be the next AYJ Chair? We’re seeking a collaborative leader, committed to social justice and children’s rights, to provide strategic oversight to our experienced and knowledgeable Board of Trustees. Deadline: 9am, 16 March 2026. Details: cello-fox-ymfw.squarespace.com/s/AYJ-Chair-...

Today, we have responded to the government’s youth justice policy statement, 'A Modern Youth Justice Service: Foundations Fit for The Future'. We're heartened to see recognition of systemic failure, but the “bold vision” promised must be truly ambitious. www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...

We’re supporting Amendment 221 to put Child Rights Impact Assessments on a statutory footing. Backed by 160 orgs & echoing a key Covid-19 Inquiry recommendation, this is a vital step to ensure children’s rights are considered in decision-making 🔗 bit.ly/4akFft8

Tomorrow, we are going to the High Court to challenge the government’s decision to authorise the use of PAVA spray in prisons holding children. This blogpost explains why: https://howardleague.org/blog/were-taking-the-government-to-court-next-week-heres-why/

During today's Sentencing Bill debate, Lord Timpson said the government will review youth sentencing, something we have long called for. This represents a vital opportunity to ensure custody is only used as a last resort for children. Our full statement: www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...

Delighted to be at @zahidmubarektrust.bsky.social's 'Race in Prisons' conference today, and hear Prisons Minister JamesTimpson acknowledge the stark race inequality in the youth justice system, and the need for ambitious action to address it.

After hundreds of FairChecks supporters wrote to Lord Chancellor David Lammy calling for fairer criminal records checks, we received a response from Lord Timpson. 🔗Read the full letter here - and join the movement, if you haven't already! fairchecks.org.uk/lord-timpson...

Our new briefing looks at what happens when exploited children turn 18. Safeguarding often ends, but exploitation continues, risking criminalisation. With a new CCE offence in the Crime & Policing Bill, safeguards are vital to protect young adults. www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...

Today’s HMI Prisons report shows how YOIs are failing to build trust between children and staff. Custody must only ever be a last resort, and when used, must prioritise children's wellbeing. It’s time to close YOIs & invest in Secure Children’s Homes. Comment piece: www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...

Our CEO, Jess Mullen, featured on C5 News discussing youth custody. There wasn’t space for everything we shared — but here’s the key point: The MoJ must commit to closing YOIs & STCs, and set out a long-term vision where custody is a last resort for children. 🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qMb...

NEW: The View — reflections and updates from our CEO Jess Mullen. It’s been a busy start to 2025: • Joint statement opposing PAVA in the children’s secure estate • Members’ meeting with Sir Nic Dakin MP • Published 'Adultifying Youth Custody' And more to come. 🔗 www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...

The decision to arm YOI staff with PAVA spray is dangerous, unjustified, and risks deepening disparities already in the system. 37 orgs agree: the answer is not more force—it’s more support. Custody must be a last resort. Read the full statement here: 🔗 www.ayj.org.uk/news-content...

We had a productive members' meeting with the Minister for Youth Justice @nicdakinmp.bsky.social yesterday. Thank you to everybody who attended and brought their questions!