T2A welcomes the House of Commons Justice Select Committee’s announcement that it is to undertake a major Inquiry on young adults in the criminal justice system.
This may be a once in a generation opportunity for the T2A agenda to progress towards a systematic implementation. It comes at a critical time, with the convergence of several major recent developments including:
- The Harris Review on deaths of young adults in custody that called for young adults to be a distinct group and for the concept of maturity to be enshrined in law (and a forthcoming government response);
- The HMIP annual report that called for a distinct approach to young adults; and
- The government’s requirement to reduce costs and utilise evidence of what works.
It is without question that T2A and a wide range of partners have made a major contribution to these developments. T2A representatives had held a series of meetings in recent weeks with the Ministry of Justice, NOMS, the Harris Review and the Justice Select Committee, and we are delighted that T2A has helped to make the case for a substantial focus on young adults.
The deadline for the Select Committee Inquiry call for submissions of evidence is 30 September 2015 T2A will submit a substantial piece to this and will start drafting soon.
We look forward to working with you in these exciting and important months ahead. Please contact the T2A management group via Max Rutherford on [email protected] if you have questions or suggestions at this stage.