What children should expect at youth court

4 August 2025

We worked closely with the Youth Justice Legal Centre and Just for Kids Law to explore what children should expect from a solicitor.

This easy to read leaflet explains how solicitors can help them. It was tested with children and solicitors and has been well received. You can request printed versions.

You can also use the information in our good practice guide to help your clients understand what to expect from you.

Resources to help children

Use these resources to help explain the youth justice system to children:

• The Ministry of Justice has a Youth Justice Charter that explains the standards that a child can expect from the people and organisations they might meet in the youth justice system.
• The Youth Justice Legal Centre has short videos for young people about the criminal justice system.
• 'Going to court' is a booklet for children who are going to be witnesses in court.

Resources for solicitors

• Keep your knowledge and skills up to date in the youth court system
• Working with other organisations in the youth justice system
• Communicating and engaging effectively with children in the youth court system