CLA and youth justice
Where a looked after child is known to YJS and has entered the criminal justice system, social workers need to be aware of the processes and the need to work jointly with YOS to make sure the child's welfare is safeguarded.
The Looked after children in contact with Criminal Justice Services policy and the CLA in the criminal justice system practice guidance provides guidance for social workers on what steps to take and how to work jointly with YJS while the young person's case is proceeding through the courts, from arrest to custody.
Social workers can get further information from the YJS-CSSW protocol that sets out the framework for joint working with YJS.
Young people leaving custody will be entitled to support from the YJS. The Resettlement practice guidance provides information about how the YJS work with young people leaving custody in order to help them re-integrate into the community and meet any conditions of their release.