Child Criminal Exploitation 1

Masterclass #2 Child Criminal Exploitation 1

The announcement earlier in the year of a financial uplift for lawyers representing children in the youth court the MoJ have announced plans to establish the Child Advocate Specialist Panel – Crime and that ultimately specialist lawyers will be listed on a public register. From November YJLC launched a monthly Masterclass Series for lawyers representing children in criminal proceedings. The masterclasses will give lawyers practical and tactical insights into applying youth justice law and procedure effectively, with real case studies that illustrate the strategies and techniques that make a difference in court. Each session is designed to sharpen your case preparation and advocacy skills, helping you secure the best possible outcomes for children.

These masterclasses support the knowledge and competencies required by the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority for representing children in criminal cases, and they count towards your CPD requirements.

This is the first of two Masterclasses about Child Criminal Exploitation and will help lawyers;

1. Spot a child who is potentially a victim of exploitation

2. Learn what a defence lawyer can do to avoid prosecution of an exploited child (importance of written representations to CPS, knowing and importance of applying the CPS guidance, knowing the law relating to children, which is different from representing adults)

3. Understand the outcomes of referrals to the NRM, local decision making pilots, value of NRM decisions in criminal proceedings

Trainer - Aika Stephenson: Aika is one of the UK’s leading youth justice solicitors and the Legal Director of Just for Kids Law. With over 20 years’ experience representing children in criminal proceedings, Aika brings unparalleled insight into the realities of youth defence work. Twice named Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year, she is also the author of In Their Defence: Fighting for Youth Justice One Child at a Time — a powerful account of her work and the systemic challenges faced by young defendants.

The second Child Criminal Exploitation masterclass will run on Tuesday 6th January 2025