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Swift Administration of Justice

NCJ Number
212511
Date Published
2005
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This document offers effective practice guidance for practitioners, case managers, and strategic partners on the swift administration of justice for youthful offenders.
Abstract
One of the central goals of youth offending teams (YOTs) is to streamline the justice process for youthful offenders so that the consequences of crime are delivered swiftly. This document supports the Key Elements of Effective Practice promoted by the Youth Justice Board in England and Wales and is organized according to the justice process: from arrest to sentence. It describes how practitioners, case managers, and strategic partners can expeditiously move young offenders through the justice process to ensure the swift delivery of sanctions. YOTs and other practitioners are offered best practice advice on avoiding delays in the justice practice, especially delays associated with defendant non-appearance and with the preparation of pre-sentence reports. The section contains many examples of effective practice for each step in the justice process, from notifying Yots of charges to early preparation to carrying out remands into custody. The section for managers focuses on actions YOT case managers can take to ensure effective practice is followed by practitioners. The importance of internal systems reviews and practices that support practitioners are underscored; examples of effective practice for managers include guidance for fast-tracking juvenile cases and advice on raising awareness of bail options. Guidance for strategic partners focuses on overseeing and evaluating the actions of YOT practitioners and managers in terms of effective practice adherence. Appendixes, references