The Youth Justice System

Why children are treated differently

The youth justice system responds to offending by children. Its operation differs across the UK; the youth courts and organisations described here operate in England and Wales, where children aged 10–17 can be arrested and face criminal proceedings.

Children are still developing and may need help to understand legal proceedings. Some also have complex needs that contribute to their offending. The system therefore aims to prevent offending and reoffending through rehabilitation: helping a child change their behaviour and build a crime-free life. It must also protect the public and deliver justice for victims.

The guiding approach is ‘child first’. This means recognising a child's needs, rights, strengths and potential, rather than defining them only by an offence. It does not mean ignoring the offence or removing responsibility. Support and supervision are intended to help children meet their responsibilities and reduce future harm.

From police involvement to court

Not every child who comes into contact with the police goes to court. Where appropriate, agencies seek diversion: dealing with behaviour through suitable support or less formal responses instead of taking the child further into the justice system. This can address problems early and reduce the damaging effects of being labelled an offender.

The police and local Youth Offending Team work together on out-of-court responses. These can include a youth caution, rather than a court prosecution, where the relevant conditions are met. A caution is not a sentence handed down by a youth court.

Children detained or questioned by police also need safeguards. An appropriate adult, such as a parent or another suitable adult, helps safeguard their interests during the police process.

Where a case proceeds to court, most children appear in a youth court. A serious offence such as murder starts in the youth court but is passed to the Crown Court.

What happens in a youth court?

A youth court is a special type of magistrates’ court for people aged 10–17. The case is heard by either three magistrates or one district judge, with no jury. It deals with offences such as theft, burglary and drug offences.

Evidence is considered through court procedures, but the hearing is less formal than an adult court. Children are called by their first names and may sit with a parent, carer or another supporting adult. These arrangements help them understand what is happening and participate in their case.

A parent or guardian must attend if the child is under 16. For a 16- or 17-year-old, attendance is compulsory if the court orders it.

Members of the public are not normally allowed into a youth court without permission. Reporting restrictions also usually prevent publication of information identifying the child, such as their name, address or school. These protections reduce public exposure and support the child's chances of rehabilitation, although they are not absolute guarantees of anonymity.

Sentences and continuing support

If a child is found guilty, the court can impose a community sentence. The child remains in the community while meeting the requirements of the court order under supervision. Support should address their individual needs and help them stop offending, while also protecting the public.

A court can also impose a detention and training order, involving secure accommodation for young people. The response combines detention with training intended to support rehabilitation. Youth justice is therefore not simply a choice between punishment and help: a sentence can impose consequences while also working towards a crime-free future.

Local teams and national oversight

Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) work directly with children who get into trouble with the police, face court proceedings or receive sentences. They assess each child's needs and risks, involve the child and their parents or carers in planning support, and prepare reports to help courts make informed decisions. They also explain court outcomes and supervise community orders.

For example, a court report can identify barriers to a child's progress and recommend suitable support and supervision. This connects the court's decision to a practical plan for preventing further offending rather than treating sentencing as the end of the process.

The Youth Justice Board (YJB) oversees the system rather than deciding individual court cases. It monitors standards, supports improvements in local services and influences policy and practice. Fair treatment is part of this work, including addressing racial disparities and ensuring that children's different needs are recognised.