NEWS
w w w. b a r r i s t e r m a g a z i n e . c o m
Major new report highlights mixed
advocacy standards in youth court
proceedings
A new, independent report
commissioned by the Bar Standards
Board (BSB) and CILEx Regulation,
and produced by the Institute for
Criminal Policy Research (ICPR) at
Birkbeck, University of London, has
revealed variable advocacy standards
amongst lawyers acting in youth
court proceedings.
The Youth Proceedings Advocacy
Review report, published today
as a result of extensive research,
highlights the damaging effects that
poor advocacy has on access to justice
for young and often very vulnerable
offenders, and their perceptions of the
system in general.
Whilst recognising there were
examples of good practice amongst
advocates appearing in youth court
proceedings, the overriding view
of those who participated within
the research was that standards of
advocacy were not at the level that the
public should expect.
Key findings from the report include:
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Quality of advocacy in youth
proceedings is regarded as highly
variable.
A lack of specialist knowledge
amongst some advocates of the
statutory framework for dealing
with young people and young
offenders.
Mixed ability amongst advocates
to communicate clearly
and appropriately with the
young people whom they are
representing.
A lack of specialist training for
advocates undertaking work in
youth court proceedings.
and the resources for professional
development they need to support the
Youth Court and work effectively with
all [