Manifesto
Include Youth has developed a A Manifesto for Youth Justice in Northern Ireland October 2008.
Intended to inform and prepare the people of Northern Ireland and its elected representatives for the administration of youth justice during, and beyond, the challenges of transition, the Manifesto:
- identifies core values and principles that should underpin youth justice policy and practice
- promotes the safety of all people in communities
- proposes involvement of non-governmental organisations and the active participation of children and young people in planning and developing services to identify needs, protect and promote rights
- establishes priorities for action based on early intervention, prevention and the provision of services necessary to support children and young people in need and/or at risk
- promotes effective alternatives to custody in response to offending behaviour emphasising commitment to international standards that establish deprivation of children’s liberty as a last resort.
The Manifesto is derived from a thorough analysis of youth justice policy documents, research reports and international human rights standards.3 It has been informed by consultations with: young people; practitioners working directly with young people; policy makers and advisors from government departments; political representatives; NGOs; human rights institutions; youth justice services.
The Manifesto not only focuses on interventions with children in conflict with the law. It is also concerned with contexts and causes of offending behaviour and potential preventative interventions. This includes recognition of and responses to, the broader contexts of young people’s lives, particularly: their social and economic circumstances; educational experiences and attainments; family life or alternative care; physical and mental health.
Unsurprisingly, international research consistently demonstrates that children and young people are more likely to be involved in offending and/or anti-social behaviour if they leave school early, have special needs, live in poverty, have truanted or been excluded from school, have spent time in residential care or have experienced neglect or abuse within their families.
Also read our Background Paper 'Developing a Manifesto for Youth Justice in Northern Ireland March 2009' for more information.