On Tuesday Oct 30th, Dr Anthony Charles, Co-ordinator of the Innovative Youth Justice Team at the Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law at Swansea University, was named as a new Associate of the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice (CYCJ).

The aim of the Associate scheme, which was created to attract individuals who are involved in the field of youth justice in a research, practice, policy or lived experience, is to transform and broaden the youth justice knowledge base in Scotland. Associates will contribute to projects, publications, research activity and digital communications being carried out by the CYCJ.

Dr Charles, who is also the Criminology Lead for the Observatory on the Human Rights of Children at Swansea University, is heavily engaged in work to better understand prevention and diversion in youth justice, the impact of Welsh devolution on approaches to support children who come into conflict with the law and the ways that implementation of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), especially in education, can create positive outcomes for children.

Speaking about his new role as an Associate, Dr Charles said:

“I am honoured to have been named as an Associate of the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice. The Centre is progressing some very interesting work and I have noted with interest the renewed emphasis which the Scottish Devolved Administration is placing on children and young people. As a new Associate, I am looking forward to supporting the work of the Centre. In particular, I am eager to contribute to conversations and develop actions concerning how, in Wales and Scotland, we can learn from each other, so that the very best policy, process and practice is identified and offered to young people who come into contact with the youth justice system.”

Fiona Dyer, Interim Director of CYCU, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome our new Associates to CYCJ. This scheme has proved to be a mutually beneficial relationship, through expanding influence and widening expertise, developing and maintaining strong partnerships and improving knowledge of both the Scottish and UK youth and criminal justice systems.

“Our Associates have held seminars, presented at our conferences, produced blogs and collaborated on research. We are grateful for their work and look forward to seeing what the next year brings!”

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