What does the youth court committee do?
The committee meets three times per year to discuss current issues facing youth court magistrates and propose improvements to the operation of the youth court and youth court panel of magistrates.
The committee drafts and approves publications about the youth court including consultation responses, briefings and reports.
Current priorities
The committee wants to improve the operation of the youth court by:
- reducing delays between offence and charge,
- addressing issues with custodial remand by making sure that children are placed in the most appropriate setting while they wait for their case to be dealt with, and
- scrutinising the use of out of court disposals.
Appointment to the committee
Vacancies on the committee are advertised in the summer each year. Appointment is based on merit and achieving balance on the committee. Candidates are put forward by the chair of the committee to the Magistrates’ Association Policy Board who have final approval of appointments to committees.
Committee members
- Chair: Val Castell JP, Avon and Somerset
- Deputy Chairs: Sarah Clarke JP, Buckinghamshire and Susan Painter JP, Cambridgeshire
- Kathryn Bailey JP, Gloucestershire
- Robert Caccavale JP, Essex
- Caroline Foster JP, Dorset
- Jackie Hamilton JP, Central Kent
- Rosemary Monk JP, Leicestershire and Rutland
- The MA’s national chair and deputy chairs
More information
If you have any queries regarding the committee, please contact Adam Chaddock, Policy and Research Officer.