Youth Justice Service captures the past
Warwickshire’s Youth Justice Service has captured the past by burying a time capsule in Leamington.
It contains artefacts created by young people such as a DVD called ‘Actions Bring Consequences’ and a CD with lyrics reflecting on their behaviour – as well as a description of work over the last decade.
The capsule was buried at the site of the new Justice Centre being constructed on Newbold Terrace as part of a ‘topping out ceremony’ (22 September), which traditionally takes place when a building structure has been completed to its highest point and celebrates the contractors’ achievements so far.
It was attended by a number of dignitaries including the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Lady Kilmaine.
Earlier this month the county council team’s name changed from the Youth Offending Service to more accurately reflect the areas of work now carried out such as with those who have committed a crime, their families, victims and communities.
Diane Johnson, Head of the Warwickshire Youth Justice Service, also attended the ceremony and said: “We wanted to give future generations an idea about young people who were in the youth justice system between 1999 and 2009.
“We are extremely proud of the work we and our partners have been doing and will continue to do in the years to come, and hope that youth justice in the future will build on the foundations learnt over the last decade.”
The new Justice Centre will be linked to the existing refurbished police building and will provide access to 24/7 Policing; Shared Custody Services; Police Judicial Services; Crown Prosecution Service; 4 Crown Courts, 3 Magistrates Courts and 2 County Courts; Probation Service; Youth Justice Service; Victim and Witness Support Services; and a Witness Support Suite, and is set to be completed in July 2010.
To find out more information about the Warwickshire Youth Justice Service, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/yot.