Wales Youth Justice Advisory Panel: 6 July 2026

• Mike Connolly (MC) (Co-Chair), Welsh Government (CSD)
• Karin Phillips (KP) (Co-Chair), Youth Justice Board Member
• Phil Bowen (PB), Youth Justice Board
• Cheryl De Freitas CDF), Youth Justice Board
• Paula Williams (PW), Youth Justice Board
• Darren Trollope (DT), Youth Justice Board 
• Lynzi Jarman (LJ), Welsh Government (JPD)
• James Gerard (JG), Welsh Government (JPD)
• Martyn Gunter (MG), Welsh Government (Education)
• Tom Cartright (TC), Welsh Government (Social Research)
• Meg Colley (MeC), Welsh Government (Social Services)
• Panny Hall (PH), Welsh Government (Social Services)
• Julia Allen (JA), Welsh Government (Safeguarding)
• Alan Webster (AW), Ministry of Justice 
• Elisa Mclauglin (EM), Ministry of Justice 
• Eleri Thomas (ET), DPCC Gwent 
• Dafydd Llywelyn (DLl), PCC Dyfed Powys 
• Dean Llewellyn (DeLl), Police Liaison Unit
• Gwen James (GJ), Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
• Stephen Wood (SW), YOT Managers Cymru (YMC)
• James Warr (JW), YOT Managers Cymru (YMC)
• Kirsty Davies (KD), YOT Managers Cymru (YMC)
• Jay McCabe (JM), YOT Managers Cymru (YMC)
• Davinia Harries-Davies DHD), YOT Managers Cymru (YMC)
• Martina Feilizer (MF), Academic representative
• Kate Williams (KW), Academic Representative 
• Philip O’Connell PO’C), on behalf of DCC Nicholas McLain
• David Richmond (DR), Youth Custody Service 
• Rachel Morgan (RM), Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA)
• Julie Davies (JD), Association of Directors of Social Services
• Sarah Day (SD), Association of Directors of Social Services
• Christopher Millis (CM), Association of Directors of Education Wales
• Lacey Meredith (LM), HMPPS on behalf of Louise Lawrence
• Fallon Gallagher (FG), Wales Blueprint Team, HMPPS 
• Tim Melville (TM), Youth Magistrates

Apologies 

• Sasha Yilmaz, Welsh Government (CSD)
• Alison Lott, Welsh Government (CSD)
• Mark Bradley, Welsh Government (Health)
• Padraig McNamara, Welsh Government (Health)
• Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Youth Justice Board 
• Paul Morris, Police Liaison Unit
• DCC Nicholas McLain, Gwent Police
• Andrea Brazier, HMIP 
• Michelle Davies, Health representative Swansea Bay UHB 
• Helen Davies, HMIP 
• Surinder Randhawa, HMCTS
• Louise Lawrence, HMPPS
• Daniel Jones, Violence Prevention Unit
• Rocio Cifuentes, Children’s Commissioner for Wales 
• Mark Brace, Safer Communities Network
• Jake Morgan, SOLACE

KP welcomed members to the meeting and noted the hybrid arrangements. New members, Chris Mills the representative for the Association of Directors of Education Wales (ADEW) and Dean Llewellyn, Police Liaison Unit were welcomed.

Apologies were noted.

The Panel were advised of a meeting that had taken place prior to WYJAP with the Deputy First Minister (DFM) and the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution (CMGEC). Discussions focused on youth justice reform, the future role of the Youth Justice Board and opportunities for greater Welsh Government involvement in youth justice funding, oversight and governance.

The Panel were informed discussions were continuing between Welsh Government and Ministry of Justice (MoJ) officials regarding reforms outlined in the Youth Justice White Paper and future arrangements in Wales. 

MC provided an update on recent Welsh Government developments, including changes to Ministerial responsibilities following the formation of the new Welsh Government. Responsibility for crime and justice policy now sits with the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality. 

The Panel heard that the new Welsh Government had identified prevention, early intervention and evidence-based policy making as key principles. Work was underway relating to the Welsh Government's first 100 days programme, including plans to establish a National Crime Prevention Agency.

Members were advised that Welsh Government officials were preparing advice for Ministers regarding future youth justice governance arrangements and the role Welsh Government may undertake following discussions with the Ministry of Justice.

The DFM had indicated she wanted to engage directly with YOT Managers Cymru and attend a future meeting of WYJAP. 

Action point 1: The Deputy First Minister to be invited to attend the WYJAP meeting on 12 October. 

AW provided an overview of the Youth Justice White Paper, Cutting Youth Crime, Changing Young Lives, outlining the UK Government's proposals for reform of the youth justice system: these included reforms relating to early intervention, Out of Court Resolutions, remand, sentencing, criminal records, youth custody and youth justice service oversight arrangements. 

Panel members welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposals but emphasised the need for reforms to recognise the distinct policy and service delivery landscape in Wales. Members highlighted the integrated approach already adopted across Welsh services and the importance of ensuring reforms complemented existing arrangements rather than duplicating them.

Discussions focused on:

• the impact of youth justice reforms in Wales
• the future role of Welsh Government
• potential implications of policing reform
• the need for engagement with Welsh Government before policy proposals were finalised
• the importance of reflecting Welsh data, legislation and service structures and delivery in future reforms

PW highlighted work had begun between the YJB and Welsh Government to assess the implications of the White Paper for Wales and ensure that the devolved services and initiatives within Wales would be considered by the MoJ when implementing the proposals in the Youth Justice White paper. Once the mapping exercise has concluded, it will be shared with the Panel and will be on the agenda of the October WYJAP meeting. Panel members welcomed work this work.

Action point 2: Analysis of the implications of the UK Government Youth Justice White paper for Wales to be added to October WYJAP agenda. 

Partnership with policing

KP thanked DCC Nicola Brain for her work to date on the child centred policing agenda. DLl reiterating the thanks and advised ACC Nicholas McLain would be taking on the lead role due to retirement. 

DLl introduced WYJAP paper 06.07.26.01 on police governance arrangements in Wales and outlined structures supporting youth justice and child-centred policing across the four police force areas. Members welcomed the paper and noted its value in improving understanding of governance structures and accountability arrangements.

DLl highlighted ongoing uncertainty relating to wider police reform proposals and the importance of considering potential impacts on youth justice services funding arrangements and local partnership structures. Panel members emphasised the importance of retaining local relationships between Youth Justice Services and policing, irrespective of future governance changes. 

DT referred to WYJAP paper 06.07.26.02 and provided an update on work to develop a more consistent all-Wales approach to Out of Court Resolutions (OoCR). Task and Finish Groups had developed proposals covering referrals, decision-making processes and outcomes. A consultation exercise was underway with police forces and Youth Justice Services across Wales. 

Members welcomed the progress and reiterated the importance of producing a delivery timetable. It was agreed that the indicative implementation timetable would be shared with the panel in advance of the October meeting. 

Action point 3: The OOCR joint working group will develop a high level summary of key activities with indicative timings to share with the Panel ahead of the October meeting. 

Discussion highlighted the significant contribution of Police and Crime Commissioner funding to youth justice and prevention activity. JG advised Lee Jones, South Wales Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner had begun analysis work on funding and that DLl may want to contact him in the first instance. 

Action point 4: DLl to engage with Lee Jones to map and identify current Police and Crime Commissioner investment in youth justice and prevention activity to inform future police governance discussions and report back to next WYJAP meeting in October.

Partnership with health

The Panel had received WYJAP paper 06.07.26.03 and due to Welsh Government health colleagues unable to attend the meeting. LJ updated the Panel on work she was progressing with Welsh Government health colleagues relating to Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). Work had focused on identifying best practice and improving consistency of provision across Wales. 

Bridgend Youth Justice Service had been used as an initial benchmark for good practice following its recent HMIP inspection. A draft best practice framework was under development. 

Further work was being undertaken jointly across Welsh Government and health partners to identify longer-term solutions to challenges in accessing SLCN support. Members noted the importance of a whole-system approach. 

KP thanked LJ for the update and highlighted that the WYJAP paper 06.07.26.03 did not capture the progress that had been made to date. As stated within the paper KP requested for mental health colleagues to share with the Panel the Annual reports of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Strategy once published.

Action point 5: Welsh Government health colleagues to provide a further on update on speech, language and communication needs and potential ways forward at the October WYJAP meeting.

Action point 6: Mental health colleagues to share with the Panel the annual reports of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Strategy once published.

Partnership with education

MG shared details of WYJAP paper 06.07.26.04 and highlighted developments relating to school safety, attendance, exclusions and behaviour. A new multi-agency group examining incidents within schools had recently met for the first time. 

Updates were also provided on:

• The School Police Officer Programme funding, for 2026 to 2027, has been confirmed by the Welsh Government for the continuation of a formal partnership approach between the Police and Crime Commissioners offices, police forces and schools
• Exclusions and Detentions guidance, work has continued on the Government commitments in relation to behaviour and attendance commitments. An announcement will take place within the first 100 days of which the Exclusions and Detention Guidance will be included. 
• Development of an All-Wales school safety protocol, Cardiff City Council continue to lead the work with local authorities and partners to develop a consistent approach for schools to manage incidents where children take weapons onto school premises. The first meeting of the steering group was held on 2 June. This national approach is being co-produced and will be supported by funding in 2026 to 2027, with a view to launching in schools later in the 2026 to 2027 school year.
  • attendance and engagement in schools: a package of pan‑Wales restorative pilots have been rolled out across Wales to help tackle behaviour issues and support attendance. Building on successful practice already underway, these pilots will test innovative approaches, through art, sport and theatre to help learners re‑engage with school. 

Youth Justice Service representatives highlighted the importance of ensuring youth justice services contributed to this work to maintain consistency with diversion and prevention approaches.

DeLl referenced WYJAP paper 06.07.05 and provided an update on the newly established All Wales Strategic Children in Custody Group which is focused on reducing the harm and trauma experienced by children who enter police custody.

Members heard positive examples of emerging practice across Wales including:

• reduced average detention times
• improved trauma-informed approaches
• enhanced custody environments
• greater scrutiny of strip-searches and use of force
• increased focus on safeguarding and welfare

Panel members welcomed the progress but emphasised that the ultimate objective remained reducing the number of children entering police custody. 

Discussion focused on:

• appropriate Adult arrangements
• suitable accommodation and overnight placements
• use of data to identify disproportionality
• care experienced children
• opportunities for partnership working
• sharing learning across Wales

DeLl advised he would feedback the points raised at the next meeting of the All Wales Strategic Children in Custody Group. It was agreed for Children in Police Custody to be added to the October WYJAP agenda. 

Action point 7: Children in Police Custody Group to be added as a priority item to the WYJAP meeting agenda for October. 

SW provided an update on the re-establishment of the Steering Group for the Decriminalisation of Care Experienced Children. The group had met in June and included representation from Welsh Government, policing, Youth Justice Services, residential care providers, fostering organisations and the third sector.

The Steering Group would focus on:

• implementation of the All-Wales Protocol
• improving data collection and analysis
• reviewing practice issues relating to custody and accommodation
• links with missing children
• reducing criminalisation arising from care settings

The Panel welcomed the renewed focus on this work and recognised its importance in addressing disproportionality within the youth justice system. SW agreed to share the meeting invite with DeLl. 

Action point 8: SW to share meeting invite for the Steering Group for the Decriminalisation of Care Experienced Children with DeLl. 

The Panel agreed the minutes of the previous meeting as an accurate record. Outstanding actions were reviewed.

The Panel agreed that action relating to mapping Welsh Government oversight arrangements for children should remain open pending further clarification of Ministerial responsibilities. Members also agreed that the action relating to engagement with AHP Executive Directors regarding speech, language and communication needs should remain open. All other actions were complete.

The Co-Chairs thanked members for their contributions and noted the importance of continuing discussions regarding youth justice reform, policing reform and future governance arrangements in Wales. 

The next meeting of WYJAP will take place on 12 October 2026.