lauracooper

Lawyer and Director @YJLCUK. Mum of 2 girls and a boy | Man City fan | Views my own

[Andy Keen-Downs CBE @AndyKeenDowns]

By 15 I’d been picked up a few times by the police. Riding someone else’s motorbike. Breaking & entering a social club. For kicks. Being an idiot. Police knew me. And the system treated me as the child I was. So I went to university instead of prison. Thank you @Rachel_deSouza

[Youth Justice Legal Centre @YJLCUK]

As an organisation, YJLC are delighted to be supported by @RSfoundation This amazing organisation is dedicated to helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds break down barriers to success, find their voice, and realise their true potential in the world.

We are really grateful for their generous sponsorship of the YJLC Summit 2025 Collaborating with Children- Applying Child First Principles in Practice and we looking forward to welcoming RSFs Chair of Trustees, Clive Ellington, as a speaker. https://t.co/gnM5zi6ctz

[lauracooper @lacooper01]

Great to be at the inaugural meeting of the APPG on children in police custody @MichelleWelshMP @BevanMiranda the inquiry & report will make vital recommendations for policy makers and practitioners which could transform the experience for children #childfirst #policing

[Penelope Gibbs @PenelopeGibbs2]

Louise Haigh has done her sentence. Let her move on with her life. At least 1 in 4 people have criminal records. They like Louise Haigh want to contribute to society, not be defined by one conviction a long time ago https://t.co/sNgBRuZLlG

[Youth Justice Legal Centre @YJLCUK]

https://t.co/WH1uqQLVT2
We are proud to be part of this Pilot aimed at changing the way children are treated in police custody by cutting detention rates, their time in custody, and reducing the number of charges—encouraging a #ChildFirst approach. #YouthJustice @MOPACLdn @lccsa @YPATweet @mediate_kate @metpoliceuk

[Rory Stewart @RoryStewartUK]

For the record - I was completely wrong about Kamala Harris. It is heartbreaking that Trump is now the President.

[Laura Janes @LauraJanes_UK]

The UK is the only country in Western Europe to sentence children to life. The number of “child lifers” has increased, as have their minimum terms. This article with @smhulley explores the data & recent changes in law & policy that recognise the distinct needs of this cohort

[Youth Justice Legal Centre @YJLCUK]

The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is too low. The lowest in Europe.

Great to see the issues discussed in yesterday’s @thetimes article. There is nothing in the neuroscience evidence that suggests you can, suddenly at 10, understand and be responsible for your actions in the criminal legal system. Thanks to those campaigning, including @sjblakemore and one of our directors @YJLCUK Aika Stephenson @Justforkidslaw for the age to be raised.

https://t.co/6u4l3QnS7u

[lauracooper @lacooper01]

“Children should never be excluded from society” @jonpayates @YouthEndowFund speaking about children in the criminal legal system and the importance of reducing violence affecting them by focusing on what actually works and looking at the evidence #AYMconference2024 #childfirst

[Jon Yates @jonpayates]

Spending today with some of the most important people in the country: those running Youth Justice Services. They support children who are arrested and strive to help them improve their lives. Looking forward to speaking about the latest evidence from @YouthEndowFund

[lauracooper @lacooper01]

Good to hear from Sir Nic Dakin, Minister for Sentencing & Youth Justice @NicDakin55 speaking @AssnYOTmanagers autumn conference where he highlighted that his no 1 priority in his new role is listening to practitioners about what works and what doesn’t in youth justice

[lauracooper @lacooper01]

Focus on reducing numbers of children coming into police custody , unnecessary criminalisation and increasing positive outcomes for children.

[lauracooper @lacooper01]

@AssnYOTmanagers autumn conference really good to hear from Supt Richard Timson @gmpolice that Manchester region has high numbers of children coming into police custody and the system itself and they recognise this is wrong and are doing lots of work to reduce this.

[lauracooper @lacooper01]

They are doing lots to focus on alternatives to arrest, use of out of court disposals, increasing the use of outcome 22 and mandatory training on trauma, voice of the child and disproportionately. They are also working with @DrVickyKemp @NuffieldFound to improve police custody

[Youth Justice Legal Centre @YJLCUK]

Important recent case on anonymity

In this case the crown court upheld reporting restrictions to protect the welfare of child defendants in a high profile murder case, highlighting the importance of anonymity for rehabilitation

https://t.co/YUnApz8MLQ

[Ben Lindsay OBE @benlindsayOBE]

Hey @EssexPR and @EddieHearn let’s connect. Zero evidence of what you’re suggesting works. Come and talk to young people and families connected to my charity @PowerTheFightUK for a proper insight. What you saying?

[Youth Justice Legal Centre @YJLCUK]

Important new strategy from the @metpoliceuk published today. It’s vital children are seen as ‘child first’. Taking a holistic approach that prioritizes protection and rehabilitation is key.

Pleased to see that all officers will undertake training in childhood vulnerability.

[Youth Justice Legal Centre @YJLCUK]

Lawyers training complete for ChirRP - a ground breaking pilot to change the way children in Brixton & Wood Green police stations are treated.

Brilliant to be part of this collaborative effort from the training partners who created this training for lawyers & custody sergeants:

[lauracooper @lacooper01]

@MelStooks Well done Mel

[lauracooper @lacooper01]

👏

[Krishnan Guru-Murthy @krishgm]

Watch this it’s fascinating - I asked James Timpson what he’d do about prisons and sentencing if he was in charge. He believes only a third of prisoners in jail should definitely be there. He’s now in charge of prisons (but not sentencing).