Caroline is Head of the Youth Team at Hodge, Jones and Allen and a founding member of the Youth Practitioners' Association. She has much experience representing youths in all stages of the criminal justice system, from Youth and Crown Courts to The Court of Appeal. 

We warmly welcome Caroline back to give another essential youth court update. She begins by outlining updates to the Youth Remand Concordat, outlining new commitments made by the Ministry of Justice and partners to follow a joint approach to work together in the best interests of children. She then moves on to discuss out of court disposals, the core principles of diversion and the Youth Justice Board Diversion Framework. Caroline moves on with useful tips on how to make Youth Court Cases profitable before ending with a sentencing update and useful resources.

Key words/topics

Youth Remand Concordat

Out Of Court Disposal

Fees 

Sentencing young people for offences committed as children

A Criminal Lawyers Guide to Youth Remand Concordat (Court Bail and Remand)

Police station

Preparing for the bail/remand hearing

Court bail

Remand to local authority accommodation

Remand to youth detention accommodation

Diversion

Youth Justice Board Diversion Framework.

Community resolutions

Informal disposals

No further action outcomes

Looked After Children and Care Leavers

R (on the application of E, S and R v DPP [2011] EWHC 1465 (Admin)

NPCC Child Gravity Matrix

The New Child Information Form

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975

Mixed plea cases

Sentencing 

R v M Bradley [2024] EWCA Crim 1502

Children in Police Custody: APPG "Making Children's Rights a Reality in Police Custody”