Young people draw on their personal experiences to change justice system

• Name Young advocates for youth justice

• Provider Alliance for Youth Justice and Leaders Unlocked

The Alliance for Youth Justice has recruited a team of young advocates aged 14 to 20 to create reports and inform changes in policy, service design and practice within the youth justice system, using their own lived experiences.

The project reflects a “nothing about us without us” principle according to Amania Scott-Samuels, criminal justice project co-ordinator for Leaders Unlocked. This means it is centred around the core belief that those with lived experience are best placed to create “positive long-term impact”.

Delivered by youth charities Alliance for Youth Justice and Leaders Unlocked with funding from BBC Children in Need, the young advocates project was launched in 2020 and has now entered its second phase.

The first phase saw the first cohort of young advocates produce a report that presented findings from more than 120 children and young people across England and Wales, focusing primarily on stereotypes, education, and warning signs of risk.

The second phase of the project will see young advocates produce research on trauma, criminalisation and policing, and intervention and diversion.

These topics are chosen by the young advocates based on what is most important to them and their peers. The young people are then provided with training to broaden their understanding of the chosen priorities and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in critical conversations on the topics.

The advocates also receive training on social and peer research, interviewing, public speaking, presentation skills, workshop facilitation, and data analysis. This allows them to carry out peer-led research with other young people who have lived experiences of the justice system.

Scott-Samuels says: “We support the group to design and deliver workshops and interviews with their peers across England and Wales before they come together to analyse the data, identifying key themes and recommendations for change.”

Young advocates get the opportunity to present these recommendations to key stakeholders and policymakers. One instance of this was at the alliance's parliamentary event in June last year, where two young advocates spoke alongside parliamentarians.

Scott-Samuels says that the young advocates are never expected to share their own experiences of the justice system. She adds: “We create safe and supportive spaces where they can share their stories to highlight what works well and what could be done to improve the lives of children and young people.”

Scott-Samuels adds that the young advocates’ commitment to changing the youth justice system is “deeply personal”.

“Before giving their responses they always put themselves in the shoes of the hypothetical young person at the end of a policy or process,” she explains.

Participation In Action - My View

By young advocate, aged 17

"Since my first encounter with the project, I have taken on a lead role in analysis of peer research findings, been named co-author of the young advocates’ findings report and advised the Children's Rights Alliance for England regarding the UNCRC and the Ministry of Justice on the independent Care Review.

"Throughout my life I have dealt with my fair share of professionals and although they try to do what's best for all young people, sadly that's not always the case.

"Most projects only involve young people to tick boxes, young advocates don't do that. They treat all young people as equals no matter what role you play or how old you are, everyone's thoughts and opinions are shared, and they are also acted upon so you can see the results."