06/10/2025
New Resources Launched To Prepare Children For Youth Court
Justice Minister Naomi Long has today launched a new set of resources aimed at helping children and families in Northern Ireland understand and prepare for appearing before a youth court.
The Minister explained that feedback from children and families who have attended court highlighted a common experience of "confusion and a lack of understanding of both the process and the eventual outcome".
The new resources, which are part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to improving the youth court experience, include:
• A child-friendly video detailing what a young person can expect.
• 'Virtual courtroom tours' that show what the main courtrooms look like, where everyone sits, and the roles of the people involved in the court process.
Launching the resources, Ms Long said the initiative aligns with her commitment in the Strategic Framework for Youth Justice to improve outcomes for those affected by, or involved in, offending behaviour.
The resources were developed in partnership with justice and third sector organisations, but most importantly, they incorporated the views of those with personal experience of the youth court.
The Minister urged justice professionals, child and family advocates, and anyone else seeking information to view and promote the new resources, which are now hosted on the refreshed Youth Justice pages of the Department's website.
The Minister explained that feedback from children and families who have attended court highlighted a common experience of "confusion and a lack of understanding of both the process and the eventual outcome".
The new resources, which are part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to improving the youth court experience, include:
• A child-friendly video detailing what a young person can expect.
Launching the resources, Ms Long said the initiative aligns with her commitment in the Strategic Framework for Youth Justice to improve outcomes for those affected by, or involved in, offending behaviour.
The resources were developed in partnership with justice and third sector organisations, but most importantly, they incorporated the views of those with personal experience of the youth court.
The Minister urged justice professionals, child and family advocates, and anyone else seeking information to view and promote the new resources, which are now hosted on the refreshed Youth Justice pages of the Department's website.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 October 2014
Executive Appeals For Halloween Safety
The Department of Health and the Department of Justice have made a public appeal to the public to stay safe this Halloween. Public Safety Minister Jim Wells and Justice Minister David Ford launched the 2014 Firework Safety Campaign at Hammer Youth Centre in north Belfast last night.
Executive Appeals For Halloween Safety
The Department of Health and the Department of Justice have made a public appeal to the public to stay safe this Halloween. Public Safety Minister Jim Wells and Justice Minister David Ford launched the 2014 Firework Safety Campaign at Hammer Youth Centre in north Belfast last night.
04 October 2019
Youths Highlight Mental Health Matters
A group of young people from Co Antrim have created a short film to raise awareness of mental health matters among their peers. Participants at All Saints Youth Club in Ballymena produced 'Ask, Don't Assume,' to highlight the realities of living with mental health difficulties.
Youths Highlight Mental Health Matters
A group of young people from Co Antrim have created a short film to raise awareness of mental health matters among their peers. Participants at All Saints Youth Club in Ballymena produced 'Ask, Don't Assume,' to highlight the realities of living with mental health difficulties.
07 October 2022
Justice Minister Commits To Improving Youth Justice System
Justice Minister Naomi Long has reiterated her commitment to delivering a youth justice system that benefits all children.
Justice Minister Commits To Improving Youth Justice System
Justice Minister Naomi Long has reiterated her commitment to delivering a youth justice system that benefits all children.
15 July 2002
Chancellor unveils funding boost for province
Chancellor Gordon Brown has unveiled a multi-million funding increase for Northern Ireland as part of his three year spending review, which has seen him pledge a total of £90 billion on improving public services throughout the UK. In his speech on Monday afternoon, the Chancellor started by announcing a £3.
Chancellor unveils funding boost for province
Chancellor Gordon Brown has unveiled a multi-million funding increase for Northern Ireland as part of his three year spending review, which has seen him pledge a total of £90 billion on improving public services throughout the UK. In his speech on Monday afternoon, the Chancellor started by announcing a £3.
21 July 2004
Minister praises achievements of Youth Justice Agency
Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar has praised the success of the Youth Justice Agency during its first year of operation, saying it had achieved "tangible goals" against a background of major change.
Minister praises achievements of Youth Justice Agency
Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar has praised the success of the Youth Justice Agency during its first year of operation, saying it had achieved "tangible goals" against a background of major change.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.