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:
- ensuring fair treatment of children who turn 18 while their case is ongoing
- 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
- securing quality legal representation for children by demanding standards and training for lawyers working in the youth court.
Appointment to the committee
Vacancies on the committee are advertise in the summer each year. Appointment is based on merit and 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
- Val Castell JP, Avon and Somerset
- Sarah Clarke JP, Buckinghamshire
- Kathryn Bailey JP, Gloucestershire
- Robert Caccavale JP, Essex
- Caroline Foster JP, Dorset
- Jackie Hamilton JP, Central Kent
- Rosemary Monk JP, Leicestershire and Rutland
- Susan Painter JP, Cambridgeshire
- 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.