The Youth Practitioners’ Association is pleased to invite you to our event ‘Youth Justice SOS: everything you need to know about representing children in the youth justice system today.’

Representing a child in contact with the law is one of the most important and potentially life changing tasks a lawyer can do. It is also one of the most difficult.

This short evening course, followed by drinks, will form two halves.

The first will deal with key legal provisions. The second, with input from an experienced adolescent forensic psychologist, will equip practitioners to make sure the law factors in the challenges children face.

Date:               Wednesday 23 November 2022

Time:              6pm (registration from 5.45) to 8.15pm, followed by drinks

Venue:            Draught Orders, Hodge Jones & Allen, 80 North Gower Street London NW1 2NB

Cost:               Free

Speakers include:

• Dr Louise Bowers, Forensic Psychologist
• Emma Heath, Barrister, 9 Bedford Row
• Caroline Liggins, Solicitor, Hodge Jones and Allen Solicitors
• Justin Johnson, Pupil Barrister, 9 Bedford Row
• Laura O'Brien, Solicitor, Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors
• Brian Richards, Barrister, Nexus Chambers
• Marie Spenwyn, Barrister, Libertas chambers
• Mel Stooks, Solicitor, G T Stewart Solicitors and Advocates
• Ife Thompson, Pupil Barrister, 1MCB Chambers

This event is free but as it is in person, places are limited. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Please book your free place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youth-practitioners-association-conference-youth-justice-sos-tickets-430218283467

Session 1: Key legal provisions and updates

The law governing youth justice is complex. This session will be delivered by experienced youth justice practitioners who will present key legal provisions and updates affecting children in conflict with the law including:

• Remand and sentence
• Diversion and non-criminalisation
• Modern slavery

Session 2: Understanding the challenges children face

Children facing criminal charges have often experienced huge challenges, especially since Covid. This session will support practitioners to understand and make sure the law takes account of the needs of children who have experienced:

• Difficulties with social media
• Acute anxiety
• Incel behaviour/social isolation
• Systemic racism