THE delayed Youth Justice Strategy will be published imminently, according to the Home Affairs Minister.
Deputy Mary Le Hegarat said publication of the document, which has been renamed the “Youth Justice Roadmap”, would follow a final meeting with the children’s commissioner this week.
The framework, which aims to outline how the government plans to enforce youth justice and rehabilitate child offenders, as well as keeping them out of the criminal justice system where possible, was initially planned for release in January.
Responding to a question in the States from Deputy Hilary Jeune regarding the delay, Deputy Le Hegarat said that feedback and “concerns” raised from an original draft meant “minor amendments” were needed.
“It was more prudent to delay rather than pushing forward,” the minister said.
The roadmap was designed with a “children-first, rights-respecting approach”.
“[The roadmap] has been designed to minimise impact on children, while placing their voices and experiences at the heart of decision-making,” Deputy Le Hegarat said.
She also explained that a “child-friendly” version of the roadmap has been created.
