Has the new Netflix drama Adolescence made you think about the young people in your life, the justice system or what you would do in that situation?
With much of the commentary focused on the role of social media, we wonder how many parents and carers have given thought to how they would cope and who they would turn to if their child was questioned by the police?
No parent expects their offspring’s childhood to be tainted by arrest or conviction. That only happens to other people’s kids, right? Wrong. Written by Just for Kids Law Co-founder and Legal Director Aika Stephenson 'In their Defence: Fighting for Youth Justice One Child at a Time' not only reveals some of the extraordinary cases Aika has worked on during her career, it offers guidance for those caring for children and young people with signposting for support.
Aika's career has seen her consistently recognised for her work on behalf of young people in the justice system. In June 2007 Aika was awarded Young Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY). This prestigious award, presented by Cherie Booth QC, credited Aika for her exceptional commitment and dedication to helping young people. In 2014, Aika was named as one of Britain’s top 50 part-time executives on the Timewise Power List. In 2015, both Shauneen and Aika were selected as two of the 67 ‘Change Makers’ invited to take part in the 67 Change Makers: Festival of Love 2015. The festival took inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service. They were picked because they are dedicated to making changes in their community and having a positive impact on the lives of others.
In 2018, Aika was named Criminal Defence Lawyer of the Year in recognition of her ground-breaking work in youth justice, thereby becoming the first individual to be awarded two LALY awards.
Aika says: ‘Every day in my job is an adventure, a battle for justice, heart-breaking, and a joy. But very few people truly understand the law that dictates the lives of our young people, and I want to share that with the public – both the heart-warming successes and the shocking failures of the system.'
From playground mischief to issues with immigration status, from housing to those facing years behind bars for a crime their friend committed, this book lays bare what really goes on behind the scenes, from the police station through to the young offenders’ institution and everything in between.
'In their Defence: Fighting for Youth Justice One Child at a Time' is an important and revelatory book that confronts the issues that face all young people today.