Youth justice
The UK's youth justice system is running roughshod over the rights of children, according to the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Children are being prosecuted too young and are too often treated as adults in court, prison and crime reduction policies. In addition, Mosquito devices and antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos) are undermining young people's basic rights to privacy and freedom of association.
England and Wales came out particularly badly. Youth justice in the two countries is "dominated by a punitive approach and does not sufficiently distinguish between adult offenders and children," said the committee.
Northern Ireland fared better since its justice system's primary aim is to prevent offending. However, the committee said custody is still too readily used and looked-after children are over-represented in young offender institutions.
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
