Institute for Criminal Policy Research (ICPR) · 2015
This report examines the quality of advocacy in youth proceedings in England and Wales, commissioned by the Bar Standards Board and CILEx Regulation. It finds wide variability in advocate quality, with many lacking specialist knowledge of youth justice law, struggling to communicate effectively with young defendants and witnesses, and facing systemic barriers such as low pay, inadequate training, and the low status of the Youth Court. The report makes detailed recommendations for mandatory specialist training, a licensing system for youth justice advocates, and structural reforms to better support vulnerable young court users.