The reason stated for the change is to ensure one department is clearly accountable. But at what cost? The shift takes a significant chunk of policy away from the new Department for Education (DfE), which ceases to be the policy engine for all children and young people. More significantly, it puts a huge question mark over how the welfare needs of young offenders will be met. Attention to child welfare is central to reducing reoffending, rehabilitating young people and keeping communities safe.
However heinous their actions, young offenders have very often been treated badly. Less than one per cent of children are in care, yet about 40 per cent of children in custody have been in care. Surely that tells us criminal justice and child welfare should work hand in hand.
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