Editorial: YJB chair must stand up to political heat
Ravi Chandiramani
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The government has at last ended its search for a permanent chair of the Youth Justice Board (see p7). Frances Done's appointment rounds off a turbulent 12 months for the YJB, for it was this very week last year that Rod Morgan resigned the post.
Morgan issued a famous parting shot at the government, portraying the increase in the criminalisation of children as "swamping" and the arresting of young offenders for minor crimes as picking off "low-hanging fruit" to meet police targets.
Upon its creation in the summer, the Department for Children, Schools and Families took joint responsibility for the YJB, bringing optimism that young offenders and those at risk of offending would be treated foremost as children rather than criminals.
Done's belated hire comes at a difficult time. Aside from a juvenile secure estate that's close to full capacity, she arrives against the backdrop of a gang and knife problem that is threatening to spiral out of control. This, combined with last week's impassioned statement from Helen Newlove on the conviction of the three drunk teenagers who so callously murdered her husband, has intensified the national mood of zero tolerance for young offenders. Radio phone-ins are saturated with calls to take a tougher stand. Politicians will inevitably be moved by the direction of public opinion.
This makes it all the more crucial that the new chair stands firm against the tide of public outrage, media pressure and any political opportunism that results.
The Newlove family's tragedy doesn't alter the fact that too many young people are sent to prison and that the vast majority go on to re-offend. It's up to Done to stand tough against any temptation to bring in more punitive measures and uphold the case for prevention. She should strive to keep senior ministers at arm's length and not allow the YJB to become a branch of government, which would render its advisory role pointless.
With stories of youth crime dominating the headlines, there could rarely be a more important time to launch CYP Now's Positive Images Awards 2008. The awards recognise young people's amazing creativity and combat the negative media stereotypes. Find out how to enter on page 13. The deadline for entries is 28 March.
