Justice Minister, David Ford, has today announced a restructuring of the Youth Justice Review Team.

Kathleen Marshall will replace Paula Jack on the Review Team and their reporting timetable has been extended until June 2011.

David Ford said: “I sought views from the Review Team regarding its composition and timeframe and I listened to the points they raised. One was around perceived independence and to address that issue Kathleen Marshall will join the Team.

“As someone who has written and spoken extensively on children’s issues and served on a number of bodies concerned with the rights of children, Kathleen brings a wealth of experience to the role.”

The Minister thanked Paula Jack for her contribution to the initial workings of the Review Team and welcomed that as Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Agency, she will continue to be available to them in an advisory capacity.

David Ford said: “I have also agreed to extend the Review Team’s timetable by three months until June 2011.

“Since being elected Justice Minister, I have set out a wide ranging programme to reshape the justice system and this review will play a fundamental part of that agenda.”