Young Adults and Criminal Justice

Transition to Adulthood (T2A) Teams

The Barrow Cadbury Trust Commission on Young Adults and the Criminal Justice System strongly recommended an end to the rigid division between the youth justice and adult justice system.

Recognising that tough sentences in adult prisons are frequently counter productive for immature and vulnerable young adults, the Commission argued that the treatment of young adults should depend on their level of maturity rather than their age. Though the ultimate goal is a unified criminal justice system, the Commission proposed the establishment of Transition to Adulthood (T2A) teams as an interim solution. These teams would bring together the many government agencies responsible for the welfare of young adults as well as the voluntary and community sector in order to build up experience of what works, and promote a long term resolution to the problem.

The Barrow Cadbury Trust has appointed a Development Director to design and fund a number of T2A pilots, in partnership with the other agencies. Work is currently underway in the West Midlands, where it is hoped the first pilot will be established. Several other areas have also expressed an interest and exploratory discussions are now taking place, with the expectation of three to four pilots starting in 2008.

For further information, please contact Rachel Cerfontyne, T2A Development Director on 0207 391 9224