Bail & Remand for Children

Bail & Remand for Children

Online Masterclasses for lawyers representing children in the criminal legal system

Navigating bail and remand hearings for children requires a specialist understanding of both substantive law and the procedures that protect a child’s rights. This masterclass will equip lawyers with the knowledge and tools needed to represent children effectively at all stages of bail and remand decision-making.

This session covers:

· The relatively recent Youth Remand Concordat and how it can be utilised when representing children

· Highlight the approach that courts should take when considering bail for children

· The key responsibilities of the court, YJS, children’s social care, and the child’s solicitor in this process

· Practicalities such as the use of the secure dock and out-of-area cases

· The LASPO Youth Remand Framework

· The procedure for determining which institution a child remanded to Youth Detention Accommodation will be placed in and how these decisions can be challenged.

Classes are led by youth justice experts, including:

Aika Stephenson

Aika Stephenson 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.

Shauneen Lambe

Shauneen Lambe is an internationally recognised lawyer, qualified as both a barrister in the UK and an attorney in the USA. She began her career at the Louisiana Crisis Assistance Center, representing clients facing the death penalty — including those accused of offences committed as children. A founding leader in youth justice reform, Shauneen is an Ashoka Fellow, an Eisenhower Fellow, and co-author of Youth Justice Law and Practice (the leading LAG textbook for lawyers).

Mel Stooks

Mel Stooks is an exceptionally experienced youth justice solicitor and Head of the Youth Team at GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates. Since qualifying in 1998, she has dedicated her career to defending young and vulnerable people, often representing clients from police station to trial to ensure trust and continuity. An accomplished trial advocate, Mel regularly defends children charged with serious offences, including murder, and has particular expertise in neurodiversity and criminal exploitation. She has contributed to national best practice guidance, including the ICCA’s Advocacy for Children in Conflict with the Law, and delivers specialist training for lawyers and other professionals working within the youth justice system.

Ruth McGregor Hamann

Ruth is a leading youth justice lawyer with a distinguished career advocating for children. She co-founded Just for Kids Law, served on the youth team at top-tier firm Hodge Jones & Allen, and has been a trusted trainer with the Youth Justice Legal Centre for many years. Her extensive frontline experience—from advising children nationwide through the YJLC Advice Line to representing them in police stations and courts—gives her unparalleled insight into diversion and out-of-court decision-making. With over a decade of involvement in youth-focused charities and hands-on work with children, Ruth brings exceptional expertise and credibility to every session.

Over the series of masterclasses, we will also be joined by other leading youth justice lawyers as they help develop your skills and knowledge in representing children facing criminal allegations.