The Children’s Rights Group at Doughty Street Chambers and the Youth Justice Legal Centre at Just for Kids Law invite you to join us in launching our legal guide on Court Bail and Remand.
Our legal guide is intended to assist lawyers representing children in the criminal courts. The guide provides an overview of the law on bail and remand for children in court, and examines the corresponding duties of the local authority. The guide gives practical tips on what can be done by practitioners to prevent the pre-conviction detention of child clients.
Speakers
Richard Bridge, Head of Research at the Youth Justice Board (YJB) for England and Wales
Richard Bridge is Head of Research at YJB. YJB is the only public body with oversight of the whole youth justice system. Richard has recently published research on remand. He is also responsible for overseeing the YJB’s annual statistics. Richard provides a unique insight into the statistics and data behind the remand of children.
Aika Stephenson, Legal Director at Just for Kids Law
Aika Stephenson is a solicitor who has specialised in youth justice work throughout her 18 year legal career. She leads the criminal defence team at Just for Kids Law, which she co-founded 14 years ago. Just for Kids Law was the first UK charity to hold a criminal legal aid contract.
Aika represents young people at every stage of the criminal justice system, from the police station to the Supreme Court. She is driven by a determination to bring about systemic change that benefits all children and young people caught up in the criminal justice system.
Aika, who once worked as a bail support officer at Westminster Youth Justice Service, has vast experience of trying to secure the best possible results for her young clients. As legal director of Just for Kids Law she has knowledge and expertise regarding the relevant local authority duties and their relevance to criminal practitioners.
Shaun Gray, Senior Practitioner at Lambeth Youth Justice Service
Shaun Gray is a Senior Practitioner at Lambeth Youth Justice Service. Shaun manages a small caseload of young people, as well as having responsibilities relating to quality assurance, training & development of YJS staff and partnerships, and the court/diversion work of the YJS.
Shaun regularly attends Bromley Youth Court as a YOT duty worker, and occasionally attends the Crown Court, which involves completing risk assessments and formulating bail support packages for young people.
By background, Shaun is a former Probation Officer of 5 years, with a particular interest in extremist and young adult cohorts. Shaun has worked in court settings, community casework teams and residential hostels.
Amos Waldman, Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers
Amos Waldman's human rights' based practice incorporates crime, regulatory, court of protection and inquests. He specialises in the representation of young and vulnerable clients and has previously been recommended by the Legal 500 directory for his representation of them.'
Laura Cooper (chair), Co-Head of the Youth Justice Legal Centre
Laura co-runs the Youth Justice Legal Centre at Just for Kids Law. She is a specialist youth justice lawyer with several years’ experience representing children in criminal courts. Laura oversees YJLC national advice line, writes best practice legal guides on youth justice issues and regularly delivers lectures and training on youth justice.