The Youth Justice Practitioner Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA) Explained

​

​

As an Ofqual-recognised End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), Elevate supports your Youth Justice Practitioner apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA) needs. We provide practical assistance and clear guidance to ensure apprentices are well-prepared for their EPA success. Explore the details of this assessment below, or contact us for more information.

​

The role of the Youth Justice Practitioner is found in Youth Offending Services within Local Authorities and in voluntary sector organisations that provide youth justice interventions. The primary purpose of the role is to work with children and young people who have offended or are at risk of offending. By using evidence-based interventions, practitioners aim to promote desistance from offending or divert children from entering the youth justice system. "Desistance" refers to the process by which someone stops offending. This role is conducted within a statutory framework for children aged 10–17 (and sometimes up to 18) and follows the Standards for Children in the Youth Justice System, set by the Secretary of State for Justice on the advice of the Youth Justice Board (YJB) for England and Wales.

​

In their daily work, employees in this role engage with children involved in offending or antisocial behaviour, many of whom are among the most disadvantaged and have complex needs. They also interact regularly with the children’s families. Youth justice practitioners operate in a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary environment, working closely with social workers, probation officers, police, youth workers, education and health professionals, and child and adolescent mental health services. They must understand the operations of the Youth Court and related legislation and work with staff from the secure estate, which includes Young Offender Institutions, Secure Training Centres, Secure Children’s Homes, and Secure Schools, each governed by different laws and criteria. Collaboration with various services, such as schools and mental health services, is crucial for facilitating children’s resettlement after release from secure establishments.

​

An employee in this occupation is responsible for the effective supervision of children within the youth justice system. They work largely independently to engage with children, their families, and other professionals, assess their needs using YJB tools, develop intervention plans, and monitor progress. The cases managed are often complex, involving mental health issues, substance misuse, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), challenging family situations, and safeguarding concerns such as abuse, radicalisation, child sexual exploitation (CSE), child criminal exploitation (CCE), and gang involvement. Practitioners make decisions that significantly impact children’s lives, ensuring they are evidence-based, ethical, and defensible. They are also responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the children, protecting the public, and quickly assessing risks to themselves. They report to an Operational Manager and receive supervision to discuss decisions and reflect on their work, with the frequency of supervision varying by organisation. Practitioners may also have specific responsibilities, such as in education, intensive supervision, or substance misuse, providing expertise, conducting specialist assessments, and leading new initiatives.

​

Timeline: The Youth Justice Practitioner Apprenticeship will typically take 25 months to complete with the end point assessment undertaken in the final 4 months of the apprenticeship.

​

For additional information about this apprenticeship, check out the Youth Justice Practitioner apprenticeship End Point Assessment Plan.