Policy


Include Youth is one of the lead agencies in advocating for policy developments for marginalised children and young people particularly those involved with the criminal justice system. Our policy activity is informed by both young people directly affected by the implementation of policy decisions and by professionals from all sectors across Northern Ireland who work directly with these children and young people. We use their collective experiences to inform policy positions which are well-researched and underpinned by children's rights principles.

Achieving a shift in the focus of government policy or changing legislation is something which seldom happens overnight. Include Youth's strength is its patience recognising the importance of working at the pace of government and other bodies. In this context it is important that Include Youth sustains the ability to inform, make relevant contributions and generate interest and debate amongst and with young people, practitioners, communities, political representatives the voluntary and community sector, the public and the media. We consider this to be a key function of the Policy Service within Include Youth.

Please use the search below to access and download Include Youth's policy responses.