
While we should celebrate the steep reduction in the numbers of children now entering the formal criminal justice system, those who do find themselves working with the YJS are a complex cohort whose issues long pre-date their offending.
The government’s pledge to ensure at least 75% of children are reaching a good level of development by the end of key stage one provides a welcome focus on the importance of early years and the need to promote the best start in life. Some of the children who will go on to populate the YJS are often those who are not ‘school ready’ when they enter reception; they have high levels of speech, language and communication needs which often go unrecognised and schools struggle to meet their needs. Many of these children find themselves excluded and on a predictable path, which often leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, and brings them into conflict with the law. Once in the criminal justice system it is difficult to get out and we know this damaging experience disproportionately affects boys of black and mixed heritage.
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