On 17 June 2025, an oral statement was made in the Senedd by Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Tefnydd and Chief Whip on the Women’s and Youth Justice Blueprints.

Karin Phillips MBE, YJB Board member for Wales, says:

“The Youth Justice Board welcomes the Minister’s statement and the continued commitment of Welsh Government to partnership working in youth justice. The Youth Justice Blueprint has laid strong foundations for a trauma-informed, rights-based system that puts children first – a vision we share at the YJB.

“As we move into a new phase, the YJB remains fully committed to working alongside Welsh Government and all partners to firmly embed the principles of the Blueprint into operational delivery. We will continue to champion early intervention, diversion, and the whole-system approach that has defined this programme.

“The progress made to date has been significant – reducing first-time entrants and promoting community-based alternatives to custody. But we also know that sustaining this progress requires ongoing collaboration, shared accountability, and a relentless focus on the needs and potential of every child.

“This represents a transition into a new chapter – one where we continue to align devolved and non-devolved services and deliver real change for children, victims, and communities across Wales.”

Further information

• The Youth Justice Blueprint for Wales was launched in 2019 and outlines a unique justice approach in Wales, emphasising early intervention and prevention. The aim is to address individual needs, divert children from crime, and offer holistic, rehabilitative support to those who enter the criminal justice system.