30 June 2025
The Youth Justice Roadmap, ‘Reimagining Youth Justice: A Child First Roadmap for Jersey’
(2025-2030) has been released by the Government of Jersey.
This bold child-centred plan has been designed to ensure all children – including those who
have come into contact with the youth justice system – are supported to lead safe, successful,
and fulfilling lives.
The Roadmap is part of the Building A Safer Community, BASC, Framework, which brings
together government departments, the emergency services, courts, community services,
charities and families to work in partnership to prevent crime, respond effectively when it
occurs, and support young people to thrive.
At the heart of the Roadmap is a vision for a youth justice system that puts children first – one
that helps them build positive identities, break the cycle of offending by addressing their needs,
and become resilient Islanders who contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Assistant Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Connétable Richard Vibert said: “Youth justice
extends far beyond statistics; it touches lives, shapes futures, and defines the fabric of our
island life. A child diverted from crime is not just a reduction in offending; it is a family
strengthened, a victim restored, and a safer island.
"This is about putting children’s rights at the centre of how we build a safer, more supportive
Jersey. It’s not just about reducing crime – it’s about creating opportunities, restoring trust, and
making sure every child has the chance to succeed, no matter what has happened in their
past.”
An outcomes-based approach has been adopted to align with the BASC framework and the Children’s, Young People and Families Plan 2024-2027. This will enable the measurement of success in delivering key actions aligned to the
outcomes below.
The Youth Justice Roadmap sets out four clear outcomes to guide services and professionals
working with children, which are:
Outcome 1: The youth justice system will enable a partnership approach to support a wider
systemic approach to engage children in law-abiding and positive behaviours
Outcome 2: Children are diverted away from the formal criminal justice system at the earliest
point with appropriate support
Outcome 3: Children who are engaged in serious or persistent conflict with the law go on to
achieve positive outcomes
Outcome 4: Children, families, witnesses and community victims recover and move on
beyond the impact of the harm they have experienced.
The roadmap is rooted in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNCRC,
affirming every child's right to safety, support, and a voice – regardless of their circumstances.
Services and the community across Jersey – including the States of Jersey Police, Royal and
Youth Courts, Children Young People Education and Skills, Honorary Police, Justice and Home
Affairs, Jersey Youth Service, Parish Halls, Health and Care Jersey, and Social Services – will
work together to ensure children and families receive timely, co-ordinated, and trauma-informed support.
Progress will be closely monitored through feedback from children and families, data on
community safety, and oversight from the Youth Justice Partnership and BASC Co-ordinator.
The Youth Justice Roadmap has been developed over several years and involved input from a
wide range of stakeholders. Alongside this input a wide range of evidence and existing pieces of
work were drawn upon to inform the roadmap.
A child-friendly version of the Youth Justice Roadmap has been produced and will be shared
with young people through their schools.
gov.je