Towards a Popular, Preventative Youth Justice System

Article

In 1998 Labour made significant reforms to the youth justice system. A decade later, these have yet to deliver a system which puts crime reduction at its heart. This failure to reduce offending derives at least partly from a determination to bring more offences to justice. This in turn seems to be rooted in the belief, widespread among the public, that the answer is a more punitive approach to offending. Quite simply, this has not worked and the current youth justice system does not reduce offending. This report proposes ways in which it could, as well as ways of creating public confidence in the system. It includes proposals for early intervention for preventative purposes, as well as for the extension of the system to some of those in the 18-21 age group.

In 1998 Labour made significant reforms to the youth justice system. A decade later, these have yet to deliver a system which puts crime reduction at its heart. This failure to reduce offending derives at least partly from a determination to bring more offences to justice. This in turn seems to be rooted in the belief, widespread among the public, that the answer is a more punitive approach to offending.

Quite simply, this has not worked and the current youth justice system does not reduce offending. This report proposes ways in which it could, as well as ways of creating public confidence in the system. It includes proposals for early intervention for preventative purposes, as well as for the extension of the system to some of those in the 18-21 age group.

Related items

  1. A row of international flags flying in the breeze outside a building in Paris on a sunny day

    Diversifying diplomacy: UK strategy in a fragmenting world

    How the UK might build more durable international partnerships in energy, defence and technology.
  2. A 'To Let' sign outside a row of houses on a residential street, UK

    High housing costs in the private rental sector: The case for action

    45 per cent of all private renters in the UK have unaffordable rents. It's time for the government to act to limit rent increases.
  3. A wide shot of several large commercial vessels, including oil tankers and a survey boat, floating on turquoise water. In the background, an industrial shoreline with numerous smokestacks and refinery infrastructure is visible under a cloudy sky. Concept of global logistics, maritime industry, and international trade.

    Price caps and economic stability: How to manage the Iran war energy shock?

    The Iran war energy shock will impose significant costs on the UK economy, even if the government does not offer a universal support package.