Coupled with news that use of restraint techniques in the youth secure estate is on the rise, the deaths of 15-year-old Alex Kelly and 17-year-old Jake Hardy have highlighted the striking vulnerability of some of society’s most marginalised children.
Demands for fewer children to be sentenced to custody and improved conditions for those who are, have led to significant, if gradual, reform of the system over more than a decade.
But calls to increase the age of criminal responsibility and fundamentally change the way the youth justice system treats young people continue unabated.
Influential think-tank the Centre for Social Justice is the latest organisation to add its weight to the debate.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
