We’ve become aware of a concerning trend in some courts: Looked After Children are being remanded to Youth Detention Accommodation because Local Authorities report they cannot provide suitable Local Authority Accommodation. As a result, neither a bail package nor a Remand to Local Authority Accommodation (RLAA) option is being offered. This practice is unlawful.
Join us for an important discussion with expert speakers who will explore what is currently happening, what should be happening, and the practical steps you can take when confronted with this issue.
Speakers
Robbie Eyles, YJLC
Robbie is a specialist youth justice lawyer at YJLC. He primarily works on YJLC's advice line, providing free legal advice and support to children, carers, and practitioners on issues relating to youth justice law and practice. He has also written legal guides for YJLC including updating the 2025 version of the Court Bail and Remand legal guide. Prior to joining YJLC, he spent four and a half years at Just for Kids Law where he worked as a criminal defence solicitor, representing children and young adults in cases at the Youth, Magistrates and Crown Court.
Jessica Edwards, Head of Safeguarding, Youth Custody Service
Jessica is the current Head of Safeguarding at the Youth Custody Service. With over 15 years of managerial experience within Youth Offending Teams, Jessica has led strategic developments in complex safeguarding, public protection, and contextual approaches to youth justice — always with a strong commitment to a child-first ethos.
Jessica brings expertise in building and sustaining effective multi-agency partnerships within local authority settings. Her work has focused on translating evidence and data into improved practice and measurable outcomes for children, young people, and their families. She plays a key role in shaping national youth justice policy and practice and sits on the Ministry of Justice’s Quality of Youth Advocacy Working Group and serves on the Executive Board of the Association of YOT Managers. Her past contributions include involvement in the implementation of Secure Stairs, a framework for trauma-informed care in youth custody settings.
Aika Stephenson, Youth Justice Specialist Lawyer
Aika is co-founder and legal director of Just for Kids Law. She is author of In Their Defence: Fighting for Youth Justice One Child at a Time.
The webinar is chaired by Shauneen Lambe, Director, YJLC
Shauneen is a former joint chief executive officer of Just for Kids Law (2005-2018) and co-founder of Impact - Law for Social Justice, a consultancy that supports those considering using the law for social change. Prior to working in the UK, Shauneen worked at the Louisiana Crisis Assistance Center representing those facing the death penalty.