Child First Justice Is Based on Decades of Research Showing What Works

Developed in the UK Youth Justice Policy Research and anchored by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this model:

  • Sees Children as Children

  • Promotes Positive Identities

  • Builds Constructive Partnerships

  • Promotes Diversion

Principal 1: See the Child as a Child

  1. Recognize Developmental Maturity

  2. Understand Trauma and Vulnerability

  3. Avoid Adult Models of Justice

  4. Tailor Responses to Developmental Needs

Principal 2: Promote Positive Identity

  1. Move Away from Labels like ‘Offender’

  2. Support Education, Skills, and Strengths

  3. Encourage Pro-Social Identity and Belonging

  4. Reinforce Positive Achievements

Principal 3: Build Constructive Partnerships

  1. Families are Key Partners

  2. Communities are Part of the Solution

  3. Multi-agency Collaboration is Essential

  4. Victims should be Meaningfully Included

Principal 4: Promote Diversion and Early Intervention

  1. Avoid Formal Justice System Entry where Possible

  2. Early Intervention is More Effective and Cost Effective

  3. Reduces Long-Term System Demand

  4. Community-based Responses Often Work Better

What Leaders Can Do

*Information from Youth Justice Agency, Northern Ireland