Compliance with international children's rights in the youth justice system

Abstract

© Crown copyright 2022. You may re-use this information (excluding logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. This report was kindly produced by Dr Louise Forde, examining international children’s rights and how they can be adequately realised for children who come into contact with the youth justice system. While there is no ‘silver bullet’ to developing a rights-compliant system, five key criteria are set out, encompassing children’s reintegration, dignity and wellbeing, a prioritisation of diversion, the incorporation of legal safeguards, and a focus upon implementation and operation. A polarisation of considerations relating to welfare or justice is seen as unhelpful; to secure and uphold children’s rights, there needs to be protection for both (i) children’s legal and procedural rights and (ii) their wellbeing and developmental needs. More generally, explicit commitment to realising children’s rights is required. Within the inspectorate, we will continue to review the alignment of our inspection frameworks to international standards and the latest evidence underpinning high-quality services. Dr Robin Moore Head of Research