HRH The Princess Royal Visit to Wellingborough Youth Court
HRH The Princess Royal visit was to recognise Youth Justice Innovations in Northamptonshire, culminating in the activities of Youth Court Solutions
On Tuesday, 29 April 2025, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Wellingborough Courthouse, which was operating as a dedicated Youth Justice Centre for the day.
The visit highlighted Northamptonshire’s pioneering efforts in youth justice reform.
Thanks to these innovative approaches, Northamptonshire now boasts the lowest youth reoffending rate in the country—a testament to the county’s commitment to positive change and effective rehabilitation.
Fourteen years ago, the number of cases listed before youth courts in Northamptonshire necessitated six youth courts to sit every week.
Today, all youth cases are listed to be heard on a single day, before two courts which sit once a fortnight. On those days, the courthouse is reserved as a youth only venue. This allows His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service to ensure all children and young people are protected and appropriate supportive services are provided by statutory organisations and charities
Youth Court Solutions is a service coordinated by The Crysalys Foundation, a cross-sector charity which works closely with other charities and statutory providers.
In the first three years Youth Court Solutions has helped 464 children and young people who have offended alongside 310 parents and carers.
Since the project began in October 2021 they have increased at-court youth engagement by 176%, now reaching 98% of all children and young people at court while simultaneously achieving a 144% growth in the number of parents and carers accessing support
HRH The Princess Royal unveiling plaque to commemorate her visit to the Wellingborough Youth Courts on 29th April 2025
Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR, Pageant Master
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