Online Change Network event: Children and Young People in Custody

During these unpreceddented times, the role of change makers, activists and campaigners across civil society remains vital. This Change Network was a special digital edition via Zoom. SMK is continuing to provide a space for you to reflect with others about how to drive change, even if we can’t come together in person.

When is change truly transformational? And what can we learn from dramatic and systemic, but partial, success? England and Wales have seen a massive fall in the number of children and young people in custody, down 73% in the last decade. Arrests, cautions and reoffending rates have also dropped. Yet, white children and young people have benefitted from this trend far more than those of other ethnicities, and the use of remand is rising.

The event explored how we got here, what hindsight can teach us about creating social change, and what more needs to happen.

We were joined by six fantastic speakers:

Jennifer Twite, Head of Strategic Litigation at Just for Kids Law

John Drew C.B.E., Former CEO of the Youth Justice Board

Jhanzab Khan, Leaders Unlocked

Joshua Kilembeka, Leaders Unlocked

Penelope Gibbs, Director of Transform Justice

Whitney Iles, CEO of Project 507