Youth Justice

Abstract

This chapter considers recent developments in policy and practice with respect to young offenders between the ages of 10 and 17 in England (Scotland’s youth justice system is significantly different). These developments also apply to Wales, since this remains one policy area in which central government does not have a separate policy approach solely for England. Developing youth justice policies for children in this category clearly presents distinctive challenges to any government, raising issues of care and punishment in a context that generates considerable public emotion and media attention and hence presents significant political risks. One way in which this chapter differs from most others in this volume is that the Children Act 1989 is conspicuous by its absence. This alone says much, as we shall see, about the UK government’s approach in this field.