FdSc Youth Justice Practitioner Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ)

The qualification is designed to:

• explore the diverse and changing context of youth justice,

• supporting learners to develop knowledge and understanding of the specific needs of children and young people, including the issues impacting their identity and development, with a specific focus on crime, criminal behaviour and responses to these issues.

Introduction to Youth Justice:

• Overview of the development of the youth justice system in England & Wales
• Relevant policy, legislation, welfare & justice models
• Organisations which make up the YJS; roles, statutory duties and differing approaches.
• Age of criminal responsibility
• Factors leading to involvement with YJS
• Diversionary and Court imposed outcomes

Child First’ Youth Justice:

• Four tenets of ‘Child First’
• Development of Child First evidence base
• Focus on child-centred, collaborative approaches which divert children & young people from YJS
• Application of ‘Child First’ evidence base in practice across YJS
• Opportunities & challenges for practitioners.
• Children & Young People: Needs, Rights & Equality:
• Diverse needs & identity of children & young people in YJS
• Age, maturity, ethnicity, gender, neurodiversity, care status & vulnerability
• Transitions for children & young people in YJS – adulthood, custody & community resettlement.
• Rights & equality for justice involved children
• Disproportionality, bias, intersectionality, cultural difference & competency.
• Advocating for children, young people & their families.

Assessment and Decision Making:

• Concepts, theories & factors relevant to children & young people’s offending including risk vs. safety.
• Different approaches to & purposes of assessing justice involved children & young people
• Holistic assessment, use of assessment tools, sentencing planning, implementation & review.
• Importance of professional judgement, appropriate & defensible decision making & evidence informed assessments.

Contextual Safeguarding:

• Contextual harms which pose a risk to children including criminal & sexual exploitation
• Policy & legislative responses
• Practice approaches to prevention, protection & safety planning.
• Concepts of victims, vulnerability & victimisation including victim / offender overlap
• External factors leading to criminalisation including; educational exclusion & being in care

Professionalism and Collaborative Practice:

• Accountability, ethics & values in youth justice practice
• Principles of effective team & partnership working
• Legislative requirements & information sharing
• Managing inter & intra agency conflict & appropriate challenge
• Opportunities & challenges to effective collaborative working.

Stepping back into education as an adult isn’t just about gaining a qualification; it’s about a total personal evolution. At Dearne Valley College, we don’t just offer Level 4 courses—we offer a gateway to the next version of you.

Your Next Great Adventure Starts Here

Imagine the thrill of walking into a space where your life experience is valued and your potential is limitless. Investing in a Level 4 qualification is the ultimate power move. It’s the moment you transition from “getting by” to “getting ahead,” mastering complex skills that set you apart in a competitive global market.

This is more than a classroom; it’s a launchpad. Whether you are pivoting careers or climbing the executive ladder, the journey is exhilarating. You’ll be pushed, you’ll be challenged, and ultimately, you will exceed even your own expectations.

Built on a Foundation of Excellence

Our community is driven by a shared mission. We operate with integrity, ensuring that your hard work is met with the highest standards of support and professional ethics. We pride ourselves on being inclusive, removing the barriers that have held you back in the past, and celebrating a diverse student body where every perspective fuels innovation.

The Power of “One Team”

At Dearne Valley, you are never flying solo. We operate as one team. From our industry-expert tutors to your fellow adult learners, we move forward together. You’ll find a network of peers who share your drive, creating a high-energy environment where success is contagious.

Why choose this path?

• Professional Mastery: Gain high-level technical knowledge that commands respect.
• Personal Growth: Prove to yourself that you can conquer new heights
• Future-Proofing: Secure your place in the modern economy with advanced expertise.

Level 3 equivalent in a related topic, Maths & English grades 4 or above.

Apply online through the Dearne Valley College website

Potential level 6 provision

Fees apply; financial support and loans available. Contact 01909 504500 for details