Youth Justice Improvement Group (YJIG)

The Youth Justice Improvement Group (YJIG) is a multi-agency forum that reports to the Children’s Services Board.  We are aligned to the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) with a stretch outcome of 30% fewer young people (under 18’s) charged with an offence by 2026.

Since 1964, a welfare approach has underpinned social work with children and young people who offend in Scotland. This was the result of work undertaken by the Kilbrandon Committee in 1964, which formed the basis of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. The principles of justice and welfare underpinning this approach are still a fundamental feature of social work practice in Scotland today. Since the Kilbrandon report we have used the phrase “needs not deeds” and recognise that children in conflict with the law are often the most vulnerable in our communities. Below are links to a range of resources, policy, guidance and other materials to support work with children in conflict with the law. 

Partners to the YJIG

Children's Social Work

Justice Social Work

Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA)

Education

Young Person's Rights Service

NHS Grampian

Police Scotland

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service (COPFS)

3rd Sector