Today, the Ministry of Justice released a key piece of research
linking experiences of education and social care to offending by
children with its Patterns of education,
social care and youth offending: Offending overlaps and
journeys
Stephanie-Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the Youth
Justice Board, says:
The findings published today reinforce what we already know -
children in England and Wales who enter the justice system are
often among the most vulnerable in society. Most have unmet
needs, with experiences of exclusion from education, persistent
absence, special educational needs and contact with children's
social care, and this
is typically all before any contact with the
justice system. This is something the Youth
Justice Board, practitioners across youth justice,
education and safeguarding have long understood.
These findings also reinforce the importance of the Child First
evidence base; recognising that children in the justice system
are just that - children, often with complex experiences
and additional needs. Interventions to keep them out of
the justice system are most effective when they take place
as early as practical, focus on
support, positive identity development, relationships, safety and
long-term outcomes.
Thanks to the incredible partnership work that goes on and the
application of the Child First evidence base, there has been
significant and consistent progress in youth
justice in recent years. This includes fewer children
entering the youth justice system and historically low
numbers of children in custody.
However, these findings highlight the importance of
continuing to strengthen prevention, inclusion and early
intervention across the wider system, and the need
for even greater partnership
working for our most vulnerable children.
This data underlines the need for strong partnerships
between education, children's services, health, community
organisations and youth justice services to identify needs
earlier and intervene before problems escalate.
