About Us

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The Youth Practitioners Association was founded by youth defence solicitors Caroline Liggins, Leah Connolly, Mel Stooks and Claire Dissington. Their aim for the YPA was to provide a voice for pan profession youth practitioners who currently lack a united voice with which to raise their concerns and respond to consultations. The YPA has the benefit of having dedicated committee officers Emma Heath, Gavin Kendall, Christina Josephides, committee members and members who all support the aims of the YPA. Our members range from police stations representatives, solicitors and barristers, all who bring their experience and expertise to this specialist and ever-evolving area of law. 

The YPA aims to encourage and maintain the highest standards of advocacy and practice from the police station to the High Court and to support, assist and educate those who represent young people in the criminal justice system. The YPA is committed to promoting the importance of specialist youth representation and encouraging and maintaining the highest standards of advocacy and practice. 

#YouthJusticeTimeToChange