Want to work in youth justice? Here's what you need to know.

If you are passionate about supporting children and want to make a difference in their lives, a career in youth justice could be the right path for you. Whether you are just starting out or looking to retrain, there are flexible ways to gain the knowledge and qualifications you need - even if you have no previous experience.

At Unitas, we offer accessible online learning designed to help you work confidently and effectively with children in the youth justice system.

What is youth justice?

Youth justice is the part of the criminal justice system in England and Wales that works with children aged 10 to 17 who come into conflict with the law. But it’s about much more than offending. It’s about recognising children’s needs, understanding their experiences, and helping them make those steps to building a more positive future.

Working in youth justice means:

• Building trusting relationships with children

• Supporting their development and wellbeing

• Encouraging positive identity and behaviour change

• Helping them access the right services at the right time

  
  

The Child First approach, now central to youth justice practice in England and Wales, puts children’s rights, strengths and potential at the heart of every decision.

What career paths are available in youth justice?

There are many different roles in youth justice, all focused on supporting children to stay safe, make positive choices and achieve better outcomes. Whether you’re working directly with children or as part of a wider team, your role will be centred around building relationships, understanding what each child needs, and helping them to access the right support.

Typically, those working for a Youth Justice Service (YJS) or Youth Offending Team (YOT) are employed as a Youth Justice Worker (though job titles can vary depending on the local authority). These roles involve working directly with children, their families and partner agencies to prevent offending and promote positive outcomes through assessment, planning and intervention.

You may also choose to work within the secure estate, such as in a Young Offender Institution (YOI), where you’ll support children in custody to prepare for release and reintegration into the community.

Youth justice is a multi-agency field, which means you’ll often work alongside professionals from education, health, social care, the police and probation services - all contributing to a shared plan to support each child.

For more information on the kinds of roles available across youth justice, visit the Youth Justice Institute's careers page.

Do I need qualifications to work in youth justice?

You don’t need a specific qualification to begin your journey in youth justice — many roles are open to people with relevant experience, transferable skills and a strong commitment to supporting children.

Some job roles will ask for qualifications such as:

• A Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in youth justice, criminology, psychology, social work or a related subject

• A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England

• The Youth Justice Effective Practice Certificate (YJEPC) or equivalent experience

  
  

Others focus more on the personal qualities you bring to the role, such as:

• Strong communication and decision-making skills

• Empathy, resilience and a child-centred approach

• Experience working with children, particularly those facing disadvantage, exploitation or risk

  
  

Many people enter the youth justice sector from backgrounds in youth work, education, health, social care, or the voluntary sector. Others begin with no formal experience but a clear passion for making a difference in children’s lives.

Across all roles, there is a growing need for practitioners who understand the importance of a Child First, trauma-informed approach - one that sees the child before the offence, prioritises their rights and needs, and works to build on their strengths. This means recognising the impact of adversity and trauma on a child’s behaviour, and responding in a way that supports recovery, promotes resilience, and encourages long-term positive change.

At Unitas, we offer flexible online learning designed to meet you where you are. Our courses have no formal entry requirements, meaning you can start building your knowledge and confidence at your own pace - whether you’re new to the field or ready to take the next step in your career.

What courses can I study with Unitas?

If you’re thinking about a career in youth justice, Unitas offers a wide range of courses designed to build your skills and knowledge – whatever your experience level.

Our courses are written by experts in the youth justice field and draw on up-to-date research, policy and practice. Each course is designed to help you work effectively and confidently with children in the youth justice system.

We offer the following courses:

• Youth Justice Effective Practice Certificate (YJEPC)

  A widely recognised entry-level qualification for those new to youth justice or wanting to formalise their practice. Covers key areas including assessment, planning, intervention and safeguarding.

• Youth Justice Practitioner Apprenticeship

  This combines workplace learning with academic study, ideal if you’re looking for hands on experience in a youth justice role.

• Foundation Degree in Youth Justice

  A higher education qualification focused on youth justice theory and practice, designed to deepen your understanding.

• BA (Hons) in Youth Justice

  For those ready to study at undergraduate level, this course explores theory, research and practice, with a focus on evidence-informed approaches to working with children in conflict with the law.

• MA Youth Justice

  A postgraduate qualification for those looking to develop specialist knowledge and take on leadership roles. The course explores policy, research and critical issues in contemporary youth justice.

• EPAs (Effective Practice Awards)

  Targeted, professional development courses covering key areas of youth justice practice:

  • Trauma-Informed Practice

  • Desistance

  • Child First

  • Youth Diversion

  • Relational Practice in Youth Justice

All our courses are delivered fully online, allowing you to study flexibly around your work and life commitments. You’ll learn from expert tutors and join a supportive community of youth justice practitioners from across England and Wales.

How do I apply or get started?

Getting started with Unitas is simple. Whether you're just exploring your options or ready to enrol, we’re here to help you take the next step.

• If you’re currently working in youth justice, speak to your employer about which course is right for your role – many learners are funded through their Youth Justice Service.

• If you’re new to the field, our Youth Justice Effective Practice Certificate is a great place to begin, and you can apply directly through our website.

• For advice on which course best fits your goals, you can contact us and speak to a member of our team.

  
  

All our courses are delivered online, so you can study at your own pace, from anywhere in England or Wales.

Explore our courses or get in touch to find out more.