Further supplementary memorandum submitted
by the Youth Justice Board
UPDATE ON
YOUTH JUSTICE
SECURE ACCOMMODATION
BUDGETS
I understand that it would be helpful to provide
the Justice Committee with a short update on this issue.
The YJB is taking the lead on exploring the potential
options for incentivising local authorities to focus efforts and
resources on alternatives to custody and earlier intervention
for children and young people. As you are aware the YJB has developed
its thinking on the issue and believes that there is a strong
case for devolving some or all of the custody budget to the local
level, while maintaining a centrally commissioned secure estate
for young people.
The YJB is currently taking informal soundings across
the local government and youth justice sectors about this proposal
prior to reporting to the Ministers by the end of this calendar
year with a recommendation on weather it should be pursued further.
If, following consideration by Ministers of the YJB's report back
to them, there was agreement for this to be pursued further there
would then need to be full consultation on the various options
with all interested parties given the complexity and importance
of the issue.
I hope this is of assistance and I would be
pleased to provide any further information that would be helpful.
John Drew
Chief Executive
2 October 2009
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