It calls for the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales to rise to 12 for all offences other than murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, rape and aggravated sexual assault.
"It is crucial that those 10- and 11-year-olds who commit the most grave crimes are taken to court," Barnardo’s chief executive Martin Narey said.
"Yet there is nothing to be gained from criminalising very young children for less serious offences and putting them through a court process they can barely fathom.
"In fact, the repercussions are a heightened chance of further offending, more victims and unnecessary cost to the taxpayer.
"This is not to suggest that these children should not face up to the consequences of their bad behaviour. There is a range of meaningful and effective interventions, involving the whole family, which can and should be employed."
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