What legal duties do the local authority owe to children in the criminal justice system and how do these interact with procedure in the youth justice system? Learn how to identify when children’s rights are being breached and what steps you can take in response.
In collaboration with Kate Aubrey-Johnson and Dr Laura Janes, we will be launching Dare to Care - a practical guide for defence lawyers on how to represent care experienced children and young adults in the criminal justice system.
This guide will support practitioners working care experienced children in the criminal justice system to:
- Understand the relevant legal framework
- Reduce unnecessary criminalisation
- Achieve better outcomes.
Speakers
Mital Raithatha, Head of Education & Community Care, Just for Kids Law
Mital heads JfKL Education and Community care legal team. Since joining the charity in 2012, Mital has been unwavering in her commitment to ensuring children obtain the support they are entitled to from social services, supports children and young people in relation to their special educational needs and disabilities and acts in school exclusion cases. With a wealth of experience, she possesses a unique understanding of the challenges faced by children in the criminal justice system in accessing support from public bodies.
Chris Callender, Partner, Head of Claims against Public Authorities
Chris is a specialist in Criminal Defence, Prison Law, Community Care, Housing Law, Inquests, damages claims for breaches of the Human Rights Act, negligence by public authorities, and Judicial Reviews.
He is also a former legal director of the Howard League for Penal Reform and has associated media and public affairs/policy experience. Chris heads a department which handles claims against public bodies and cases involving Public Law. His expertise also includes representing children and young people in their dealings with all areas of the law. Chris was highlighted by the Legal 500 2022 ‘Chris Callender is a highly experienced, standout public law solicitor with unrivalled expertise in cases involving the rights of children and young people.’
Devon Ferns, Youth Support Worker for Rotherham YJS
Devon Ferns works for Rotherham’s Youth Justice service as a turnaround youth support worker. Whilst working with children and young people he uses his personal and professional experiences of the justice system and the care system to empower young people to make positive choices. Some would call him an “experiential peer”. Whilst volunteering for the service (post custody) he designed a resettlement guide which was recognised by the YJB and HMPPS which is called “Get Out Stay Out”. Alongside working for the YJS he has also co-authored a book called “The Good Prison Officer” which contributes to the justice system through literature and applies recommendations to the training of prison officers. Following this he now also delivers sessions and presentations as a “key note speaker” to local authorities and agencies working in and around the youth justice sector.
He is also a former legal director of the Howard League for Penal Reform and has associated media and public affairs/policy experience. Chris heads a department which handles claims against public bodies and cases involving Public Law. His expertise also includes representing children and young people in their
Joe Latimer, Solicitor, Lawstop
Joe Latimer is a community care, court of protection and public law solicitor at Lawstop. He trained at Just for Kids Law and is passionate about mitigating the harms of criminal justice system. He is also co-editor of the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers’ magazine, Socialist Lawyer.