The Youth Justice Board is struggling to meet its targets because of wider criminal justice policy, its annual report has suggested.
In particular its aim to reduce first-time entrants to the criminal justice system is being affected by targets for police offences brought to justice. The YJB says there is evidence to suggest pressure to increase arrests is resulting in more young people being convicted of minor offences.
Targets to reduce the use of custody and reduce reoffending are also suffering. Of the YJB's six targets three are "at risk", one is "unlikely to be met", one cannot currently be assessed, and the sixth will be met late.
A spokeswoman said: "We don't necessarily have as much support as we would like. But these are our goals."
