NI Experts Urge Critical Reforms for Children’s Justice System

NI Youth Justice System Under Scrutiny as Experts Demand Reform

Legal experts and policymakers have convened to scrutinise the treatment of children and young people within Northern Ireland’s criminal justice system, amid growing calls for significant reform. The discussion, hosted by the All-Party Group (APG) on Access to Justice, brought pressing issues to the forefront, including the region’s controversially low minimum age of criminal responsibility.

The meeting comes as recent figures from the Department of Justice revealed that 3,356 cases involving young people entered the formal justice system in the 2023-24 period, highlighting the scale of the issue. Chaired by Stewart Dickson MLA, the group examined a range of critical topics aimed at modernising the system and better protecting vulnerable youths.

A Timely and Crucial Debate

At the heart of the discussion were several key areas for potential reform. Experts debated the minimum age of criminal responsibility, which currently stands at 10 years old in Northern Ireland, a figure that has drawn criticism from children’s rights organisations for being out of step with international standards. The efficacy of the under-13 voluntary protocol, an alternative pathway for very young offenders, was also assessed.

Furthermore, the provisions within the Justice Bill currently making its way through the Northern Ireland Assembly were a central focus. The session provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to influence the legislation and ensure it adequately addresses the unique needs of young people. Among the influential voices contributing were Eoghan McKenna, chair of the Law Society of Northern Ireland’s criminal law committee; Catherine Kierans, assistant director at the Public Prosecution Service’s serious crime unit; and Rachel Woods, interim head of policy at the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY).

A Unified Call for Action

Speaking after the event, Mr Dickson described the discussions as a “timely and crucial debate for policymakers.” He emphasised the importance of safeguarding the rights of the young, stating, “Ensuring that our children and young people have the upmost and unfettered access to justice is a vital and fundamental right that should be guaranteed for those within our criminal justice system.” He added that the APG was proud to lead the discussions and create a space to “collectively advance the rights of our children and young people.”

This sentiment was echoed by the legal profession. In a joint statement, The Bar of Northern Ireland and the Law Society of Northern Ireland, which serve as the APG’s secretariat, reaffirmed their dedication to the cause. “The legal profession remains steadfast in its commitment to representing and advocating for our children and young people in the criminal justice system,” the statement read. “We are privileged to act as secretariat in bringing our elected representatives and sector stakeholders together to improve and advance our justice system.” The meeting underscores a growing consensus that the current approach requires a fundamental reassessment to prioritise welfare and rehabilitation over criminalisation for Northern Ireland’s youth.