Caroline is Head of the Youth Team at Hodge, Jones and Allen and is also 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. She recognises the importance of building a relationship of trust and a need for continuity when representing vulnerable and young clients.

Caroline begins by outlining the new Youth Remand Concordat, published by the Ministry of Justice. This incudes guidance on the use of remand and court bail for children, setting out the responsibilities of various actors. She then moves on to describe the mechanics of Out of Court Disposals and the core principles of diversion. She then moves on to discuss fees and sentencing.

Key words/topics

Youth Remand Concordat

A criminal lawyers guide

Out Of Court Disposal

NPCC’s Child Centred Policing Best Practice Framework

YFB Diversion Framework

Child Gravity Matrix

New Child Information Form

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, Article 2A.

Fees

Legal Aid Regulations and Guidance

Youth Court Fee Scheme

Sentencing young people for offences committed as children

R v M Bradley [2024] EWCA Crim 1502