Youth Justice Service wins national award
Warwickshire’s Youth Justice Service has been given a prestigious national award for making the public aware of the work it does with young people.
The ‘Communicating Youth Justice Award’ is organised by the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales to recognise the efforts of youth justice agencies in publicising what they do.
In Warwickshire’s case, judges were particularly impressed with the work with young victims of youth crime through the Goals UK motivational workshops.
These help 16 to 24-year-olds rebuild their self-esteem and confidence after falling victim to crime.
Publicity for Warwickshire’s Youth Justice Service is produced by Warwickshire County Council’s Communications Team.
Heather Shilling, Operations Manager for Warwickshire’s Youth Justice Service, received the award at the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales’ annual conference in Newport, South Wales yesterday (24 November).
She said: “It is important for us to keep residents up to date with the work we are doing with young people who offend, so we can continue to make Warwickshire a safer place to live.
“We are really proud to have been recognised nationally and to have had the opportunity to showcase best practice to other youth justice institutions in England and Wales.”
Cllr Heather Timms, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to the team in receiving this national recognition for the promotion of youth justice in Warwickshire.”
Chair of the YJB Frances Done said: “Well done to Warwickshire Youth Justice Service for winning this year’s Communicating Youth Justice Award.
"The team’s work with young victims of youth crime is extremely valuable, not only to the victims themselves but also to the wider community.
“The needs of victims should be at the heart of the justice process and projects such as these which give them a voice should be commended.”
To find out more about Warwickshire’s Youth Justice Service or for more information regarding projects in the reparation directory, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/yjs.
* Picture supplied by YJB Photos.