It is essential that this ambition is as present in the youth justice system as the adult system, and that organisations led by and for people affected by racial injustice are fully engaged in the delivery of actions to meet the ambition.

This briefing is informed by consultation with legal, voluntary sector, academic, and civil servant sector experts. We’re grateful to all who contributed, and to
@barrowcadbury.bsky.social for their support.

Read the full report: ayj.org.uk/news-content...

Safeguarding must come first, joined up across agencies, and beyond a young person’s 18th birthday, so that children and young people are supported into safe and positive futures.

The new CCE offence in the Crime and Policing Bill is a critical opportunity to improve the response for victims but it must be accompanied by statutory guidance and training to address risks of criminalising exploited young adults and promote safeguarding.

At 18, many young people hit a cliff edge:

🔹Support from children’s services stops
🔹Exploitation continues but is less likely to be recognised
🔹Risk of being criminalised rises

Safeguarding must continue into adulthood.