The Young People in Transition in the Criminal Justice System project is a three-year project by the Alliance for Youth Justice (AYJ), funded by Barrow Cadbury Trust, examining the experiences of children and young people turning 18 while in contact with the justice system, exploring issues spanning the youth and adult criminal justice systems and wider support systems. The project will develop understanding and recommendations for policy and practice by viewing critical issues which have their roots in the youth justice system and continue into young adulthood. There are three priority thematic focuses for the project: racial injustice; safeguarding young people at risk; and custody. The project builds on the work of the Young Women’s Justice Project, in which the Alliance for Youth Justice in partnership with Agenda Alliance examined transitions for young women. This evidence review sets out the policy context for transitions and summarises existing research evidence and data. This evidence base will inform the project’s research priorities and development of thematic policy briefings.

See also:
(2025) From exploited to exploiter? Preventing the unjust criminalisation of victims of child criminal exploitation in the transition to adulthood.

(2021) Young women’s justice project briefing - Falling through the gaps: young women transitioning to the adult justice system