Nearly 200 young people aged 10 to 18 were interviewed for the four-year Just Justice study, commissioned by The Children's Society, and carried out by the Centre for Criminal Justice Policy and Research at the University of Central England.
The young people said they had suffered racism in all settings, leading to a negative view of society. Many professionals working with young people were seen as racist, and there was criticism of the lack of Black professionals in schools and justice agencies.
But some - particularly youth offending team workers - were generally trusted.
Rod Morgan, chair of the Youth Justice Board, said distrust of adults is not limited to Black young people, but can be found in many of the young people who come into contact with the criminal justice system. "We have to treat children as active participants," he said.
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