This new, practice-focused Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) has been specially developed by the University of Bedfordshire to give you the skills you need to take on the role of youth justice practitioner, working with young people in the youth justice system to stop them offending.

While youth justice policy is often geared towards punishing young offenders, practice is directed more and more towards supporting them to stop them offending. As a youth justice practitioner, you will work with children and young people aged 10-18 who are involved in offending or anti-social behaviour. They may come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have complex needs, perhaps involving mental health problems, safeguarding issues and/or substance misuse.

The role of youth justice practitioner is pivotal in helping a child/young person and their family keep their lives on track.

You assess an individual child’s needs then develop and deliver an intervention plan that promotes their resilience; supports their positive development; and helps them avoid offending/reoffending. This involves working with the family and building a positive relationship with them as well as working with other professionals including social workers, probation officers, police officers, schools, health agencies, court staff and staff at ‘secure estates’ such as young offender institutions and children’s homes.

What is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ)?

HTQs are a new qualification equivalent to a HND and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. This Level 5 HTQ meets the occupational standards for the sector and, after successfully completing the course, you have the specific training, knowledge and skills required to work as a youth justice practitioner.

Why choose this course

• It covers both theory and practice in real and simulated environments, allowing you to develop the occupational skills and behaviours you need for the role
• It gives you a theoretical foundation in youth justice and its policies, evidence-based approaches and interventions
• It is delivered by the University’s School of Applied Social Sciences, which has a strong history of training professionals to work with children, youth and families
• Our external partners – which include voluntary and statutory agencies working in the sector - contribute to the course delivery, providing support, additional specialist knowledge and experience
• It is designed and delivered in partnership with local employers, offering a practice-led and competency–based curriculum built on professional codes of ethical conduct; statutory guidance on safeguarding; and the law pertaining to young people within the criminal justice system
• You learn a range of transferable skills including problem-solving; decision-making; having professional conversations; and presenting arguments
• If you are already working within the social care or youth justice sectors, the course is an ideal way to upskill or change direction to fill skills shortages and workforce gaps

How will this course improve my career prospects?

The curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand for qualified people trained to take up a career within youth justice in the statutory, voluntary and growing private sectors. It also opens the way to further study at degree level in a related field such as Child and Youth Studies BA (Hons) or Criminology BSc (Hons).