Devon Youth Justice Service (DYJS) is a multi-agency team that works with children and young adults aged 10 to 18, (and their families/carers), who have committed an offence or are at risk of committing offences.
DYJS is part of Devon County Council and operates under statutory duties set out in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
What does it offer?
DYJS offers a range of services including:
- Assessment and supervision of children involved in the criminal justice system
- Interventions to reduce the chances of reoffending and promote positive behaviour through the development of positive identity
- Support with education, training, and employment
- Access to health, substance misuse, and mental health services
- Restorative justice opportunities for victims and children
- Support for families/carers and communities
How does it support people?
DYJS supports children and young adults by:
- Seeing all children as children, to treat them fairly and to help them to build on their strengths so they can make a positive contribution to society
- Addressing underlying needs of children such as addressing trauma, mental health, exploitation or other adverse childhood experiences
- Encouraging positive relationships and community engagement
- Working with families to build resilience and stability
- Providing tailored plans that promote rehabilitation and reduce concerns of further offences and the safety and wellbeing of the children themselves but also potential future victims.
- Helping the children develop their understanding the consequences of their actions
- Supports hearing the voices and offering of support to those impacted upon by the offences committed.
Who do they work with?
DYJS works in partnership with:
- Police
- Courts and the Crown Prosecution Service
- Children’s Social Care
- Education providers
- Health services (including CAMHS)
- Probation and adult services
- Voluntary and community organisations
- Children themselves, to understand their voice in how services should be shaped to meet their needs.
What does the service aim to achieve?
The main aims of YJS are to:
- Keep children safe, to keep other people safe and to repair the harm caused to victims, making Devon a safer place for all.
- Prevent offending and reoffending
- Promote child-first, trauma-informed practice
- Support young people to make positive life choices
- Ensure the voice of the child and family is central to planning
- Ensure that everyone is treated fairly and to promote equality of opportunity