A University of Northampton academic has been appointed to a new Ministry of Justice advisory panel to review and scrutinise how artificial intelligence and advanced analytics might be used within the youth justice system.
Professor Claire Paterson-Young, Professor of Social Justice at the University’s Institute for Social Innovation and Impact, has joined the Preventative Analytics for Youth Justice Advisory Panel (PAYJAP), an independent body providing expert advice on the use of data-driven technologies in the youth justice system.
The panel has been established to review and advise on proposals for using machine learning and advanced analytics to support early intervention, improve outcomes for young people, and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
The panel’s role is to advise on emerging approaches, ensuring they are ethical, legally sound, and in the best interests of children.
Professor Paterson-Young said her decision to apply for the panel was a natural progression given her professional background and current research.
“I worked in youth justice in various different roles… supporting children and young people. For me, it’s really important that we focus on the child — that the child is central to this process.
“My focus is about making sure that where these systems are used, they’re used legally, ethically, and with children’s best interests at the heart of it.”
Professor Paterson-Young is also keen to ensure that the voices of children and young people themselves are not overlooked in the development of such systems, advocating for greater inclusion of lived experience in decision-making.
PAYJAP brings together experts from academia, government and industry to help honour commitments published in the Government’s policy papers ‘A Modern Youth Justice Service: Foundations Fit for The Future’ and ‘Cutting Youth Crime. Changing Young Lives.’