CYP Now - YJB chair targets over-representation of minority groups in youth justice system

The new chair of the Youth Justice Board (YJB) has said tackling over representation of minority groups in the youth justice system and creating a service that puts the needs of children first are his priorities for the role.

Keith Fraser took over as chair of the YJB in April during lockdown. Picture: Youth Justice Board

Writing in a blog to mark his first 100 days in post, Keith Fraser said the youth justice system needs to address the disparities in outcomes and experiences for children from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities as well as those from other minority groups such as looked-after young people and those from the Traveller community.

“There is, quite rightly, an increasing focus on fairness and equality more generally within society, particularly in minority and black communities, which has helped to further highlight the stark inequalities experienced by children in the youth justice system,” he says. “It’s a complex issue, and change must also be sought beyond the justice system, but we must not hide behind this complexity.

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