Children feel that justice should create an opportunity to learn from mistakes, get access to support, and lead to everyone having a second chance, according to new research by the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ).
‘Thinking About Justice’, which explored children’s understanding, experiences of, and aspirations for, justice in Scotland, found that children often felt powerless and judged in their own experiences of justice – and highlighted the important role adults play in creating both just and unjust experiences.
The research, which was commissioned and funded by the Scottish Government, also reports that children’s aspirations for justice include the voices of all children and young people being heard, increasing access to support and services, and ensuring equal and better treatment for everyone.
Thirty-two children took part in online and face-to-face youth-led workshops, with an open approach that encouraged the children to raise the issues that were important to them, using a variety of innovative and arts-based methods.
Findings from this research are available in a variety of formats, including a full report, a summary animation and a child-friendly version which was illustrated by a young person.
Workshop resources will also be available for groups who may want to continue to help CYCJ build an understanding of children and young people’s thoughts, experiences and aspirations for justice.
