politics
Q&A: Understand the Youth Justice System as It Relates to Residential Childcare
1. Define the terms ‘offending behaviour’ and ‘criminalisation’
Defining the terms ‘offending behaviour’ and ‘criminalisation’ provides an opportunity to consider offending while also recognising the labels and stigma that can accompany such behaviour.
Offending behaviour relates to a person’s behaviour, actions or activities that are illegal. These are actions that are prohibited by law and may result in involvement with the police, youth justice services and the courts. However, a child or young person (CYP) having a criminal record, or being labelled a ‘criminal’, can result in society responding to them differently. It may also influence how the CYP views themselves and their own identity.
Offending behaviour can be demonstrated through a person’s actions, while criminalisation can be influenced by a range of internal and external factors. These may include ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors. Push factors, such as poverty, neglect or difficult family circumstances, can have a detrimental effect on a child. A CYP may become involved in offending behaviour as a way of escaping a situation in which they feel that their needs are not being met.
Children may also be ‘pulled’ into gangs because of social isolation or a desire to belong. Gangs can include older and influential individuals who may exploit vulnerable children. Recruiters can present themselves as friendly and make the lifestyle appear attractive.
A child may find being away from home appealing, particularly if they are experiencing difficulties within their home environment. However, they may subsequently become manipulated or groomed by others. County lines gangs can bring children under their control, involving them in the selling and distribution of drugs for financial gain, access to drugs or social status. This offending behaviour is punishable by law when detected, but it can also become a route into further criminalisation. Children involved in these situations are vulnerable not only because of their age, but also because of their backgrounds and potentially unmet needs.
Children in care can become involved with the criminal justice system when their behaviour results in the police being called. This behaviour may be connected to significant challenges that the child has experienced earlier in life. A child may be arrested or taken into custody while experiencing a crisis. For example, an incident involving damage to property could result in a criminal record. In some circumstances, behaviour that could potentially have been managed by caregivers through support and appropriate intervention may instead result in police involvement and formal sanctions.
Although county lines and children in care have been highlighted, offending behaviour is wide-ranging. Common offences can include shoplifting, vandalism and, increasingly, possession or carrying of weapons such as knives.
It is also important to consider whether children are treated differently when the police attend a children’s home compared with when they attend a family home. Police officers may consider that behaviour occurring within a family home can be dealt with by the family, whereas similar behaviour in a children’s home may result in police involvement.
Children need to be supported and understood when they commit an offence. For example, a child who is arrested for drug-related offences may themselves be vulnerable and exploited by others. Although their offending behaviour is wrong, drug use and exploitation may also indicate that the child is experiencing rejection, vulnerability or unmet emotional needs.
2. Summarise the following theories relating to youth offending
Pathways Theory
Pathways theory suggests that a child or young person may develop a pathway into offending behaviour. Dysfunctional experiences during early life can contribute to later involvement in criminal behaviour. Neglectful or abusive family environments can be significant factors in establishing such a pathway.
Family involvement in crime and the normalisation of criminal behaviour can also influence a CYP’s pathway. However, family circumstances are not the only factor. Peer behaviour can have a significant influence, and social learning can contribute to a child being exposed to and encouraged towards negative behaviour.
A CYP may want to fit in with others and, as a result, become involved in behaviour that they would not normally consider. Peer acceptance can therefore be an important influence on offending behaviour.
Good Lives Model
Although risk management is an important part of managing a CYP’s behaviour, youth justice should also focus on positive development, personal wellbeing and the individual’s strengths and capabilities.
The Good Lives Model focuses on helping CYP develop a positive and pro-social lifestyle. Encouraging meaningful activities can support positive development. For example, participating in football can allow a CYP to use their energy positively, develop relationships and teamwork skills, and experience the benefits of working towards a shared goal.
Theory of Social Capital
Youth offending can be influenced by the social networks surrounding a CYP. While some social connections may encourage negative or criminal behaviour, a CYP’s social capital can also be developed through positive relationships and community involvement.
Meaningful relationships can include peers, close and extended family members, school staff, community groups and leisure activities. For example, involvement in a football team can create positive connections between CYP, parents and other members of the community.
A Youth Offending Service officer can help a CYP develop these positive connections. Strong social networks within the community, schools, leisure activities and interest groups can help build resilience and provide alternatives to negative peer influences.
Labelling Theory
Labelling theory suggests that children who become involved in criminality and the youth justice system can begin to view ‘offender’ as a significant part of their identity, sometimes referred to as a master status.
Being repeatedly involved with the police or youth justice system can contribute to the stigmatisation of a CYP as an ‘offender’. Rather than preventing further offending, formal involvement with the criminal justice system can sometimes contribute to further criminalisation and association with other groups involved in offending.
Labelling can therefore influence a CYP’s self-concept and contribute to social exclusion. Youth justice approaches should seek to avoid defining a CYP solely by their offending behaviour. A purely punitive approach can have a detrimental effect and may not address the underlying causes of the behaviour.
3. Analyse four factors that make children and young people in care particularly vulnerable to engagement in offending behaviour
Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
CYP who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences and who are also in care may have an increased risk of becoming involved in offending behaviour.
Traumatised CYP may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, which can contribute to aggression, conflict and social isolation. Children who have experienced ACEs may also be more likely to display behaviours that bring them into contact with the youth justice system.
Instability
CYP in care may experience multiple placement moves, which can create significant instability. Repeated changes can cause a CYP to feel abandoned or less securely attached to the people caring for them.
For a CYP to develop trust in a carer and then experience that relationship ending can have a detrimental effect. Placement instability can therefore make it more difficult for a CYP to form secure attachments and may increase their vulnerability to criminal involvement.
Social Isolation
CYP in care may experience social isolation, particularly if they are separated from positive peer groups or familiar communities. This can create vulnerability to individuals or groups involved in criminal activity.
A CYP may experience a sense of acceptance from peers who are involved in offending, even if those relationships are ultimately harmful or unstable. The desire for friendship and belonging can therefore make a vulnerable CYP more susceptible to negative peer influence.
Unmet Needs
Unmet emotional, educational, social or developmental needs can also increase vulnerability. If these needs are not identified and supported, a CYP may seek alternative ways of coping or finding belonging.
Understanding the individual circumstances and needs of each CYP is therefore important in reducing the likelihood of offending behaviour.
4. Explain how poor behaviour management by staff and strategies used by them can escalate the criminalisation of CYP
Poor behaviour management by staff can contribute to the criminalisation of CYP in a number of ways. A CYP may feel that they are not being supported or understood by staff. When a CYP is experiencing behavioural difficulties, this can be an important opportunity for staff and professionals to understand their needs and identify the factors contributing to their behaviour.
A lack of understanding of a CYP’s history and the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors influencing their behaviour may make it more difficult to support positive change. Underlying issues such as childhood trauma, learning difficulties or other vulnerabilities may contribute to behaviour that appears challenging.
If these issues are not understood or supported, the behaviour may continue or escalate. Staff may also begin to view the CYP negatively, describing them as a ‘menace’ or ‘nuisance’. Such labelling can reduce empathy and contribute to the CYP becoming further alienated from society.
If a CYP is repeatedly treated as though they are problematic, they may begin to internalise this view and behave accordingly. Poor behaviour management can also contribute to a CYP becoming more isolated from their community. Exclusion from education can have a particularly detrimental effect.
Similarly, imposing disproportionately harsh consequences for relatively minor incidents may increase the likelihood of police or criminal justice involvement without necessarily supporting meaningful behavioural change.
There may, however, be circumstances where behaviour is beyond the ability of staff or youth justice professionals to safely manage. In such circumstances, police involvement may be necessary. For example, if a CYP is displaying serious aggression and a youth justice worker feels threatened, contacting the police may be justified.
However, CYP with complex histories require an appropriate and trauma-informed response. A CYP may interpret police involvement as something that gives them status among peers. CYP who have experienced ACEs may have significant difficulties managing their emotions; this should not automatically be interpreted as deliberate defiance.
Staff who build trusting relationships with CYP can occupy an important position between that of a supportive mentor and an authority figure. Where possible, staff should help CYP develop skills to manage emotions and resolve conflict rather than relying unnecessarily on police intervention.
5. Analyse the risks of systematically classifying behaviour as offending rather than seeking alternative responses
Systematically classifying behaviour as offending, rather than considering alternative responses, can increase the risk of unnecessarily criminalising children and young people.
Not all offending behaviour presents the same level of risk, and it is important to consider how much support a child requires and whether trauma or other experiences have contributed to their behaviour. A CYP may still be living with the effects of previous trauma, and alternative responses may provide a more appropriate way of addressing the underlying issues.
One alternative approach is to recognise that CYP are still developing. They may act impulsively, be strongly influenced by peers or seek friendship and acceptance. A CYP may not fully understand the risks they are taking or the potential consequences of their behaviour.
This raises questions about the level of support available to the CYP and the circumstances in which they are living. Children in care should have plans and assessments that identify their needs, but there may still be areas requiring further attention, including trauma and emotional wellbeing.
Trauma-informed practice can therefore provide an alternative to simply labelling behaviour as offending. This does not mean minimising the impact of offending behaviour or removing responsibility from the CYP. Instead, it recognises their developmental needs and seeks to address the factors contributing to the behaviour.
Repeated arrests or police attendance at a CYP’s home may result in them becoming labelled as disruptive or violent. This can affect not only the CYP’s relationship with the police but also how police officers view the CYP within the wider community.
If the CYP begins to associate police involvement only with conflict and punishment, the relationship may deteriorate and make future police involvement more difficult.
6. Describe methods to reduce the risk of criminalising children and young people
It is important to reduce the risk of criminalising CYP through a range of approaches. Early intervention should be considered when concerns about a CYP’s behaviour emerge, allowing multiple agencies to become involved where appropriate.
Trauma-informed practice should be a normal part of working with CYP. Children in residential care can be particularly vulnerable and may have a range of unmet needs. Effective assessment and support can help identify these needs before behaviour escalates.
Where an offence has occurred, restorative justice can provide an opportunity for a CYP to understand the impact of their actions rather than simply receiving a punitive response.
Youth justice services have an important role when an offence has been committed, but the CYP’s background and circumstances should also be considered. Residential care involves a range of professionals who can provide information and support that may not be available when a CYP lives in a family environment.
All professionals should work towards reducing unnecessary criminalisation while ensuring that offending behaviour is appropriately addressed.
7. Describe the principles of the workplace Police Involvement Policy
The principles of a workplace Police Involvement Policy include transparency, cooperation, confidentiality, legal compliance, training and awareness.
Transparency relates to how staff communicate and interact with the police. This means providing accurate and unambiguous information so that the police can understand the circumstances and determine whether their intervention is necessary.
Cooperation involves providing appropriate information and support during an investigation. At the same time, confidentiality and the privacy of the CYP remain important. Information should only be shared with the police when legally required or otherwise appropriate, and it should be handled carefully.
Legal compliance requires staff to ensure that information sharing and police involvement follow relevant legislation, regulations and organisational procedures. Staff should receive appropriate training and maintain awareness of the Police Involvement Policy.
Police involvement may be necessary where there is a risk to life, a risk of serious harm or a need to prevent a crime. For example, a CYP possessing a weapon presents a serious and potentially dangerous situation.
There may also be situations where police involvement is not appropriate, such as certain medical or emotional wellbeing concerns. The aim should be to ensure that the CYP receives the right support from the appropriate professional as quickly as possible.
Each situation involving a CYP should be considered individually. Police should not be called simply because a CYP refuses to go to bed, for example. Unnecessary police attendance can increase the CYP’s contact with the criminal justice system and potentially contribute to criminalisation.
Before contacting the police, staff should consider whether the situation can be safely managed within the home and whether other interventions are more appropriate. However, there are circumstances in which police involvement is necessary, including a missing child, significant safeguarding concerns or a severe emotional or behavioural crisis.
A missing child from a children’s home is particularly vulnerable because of their age, circumstances and potential exposure to exploitation. There may be concerns about child sexual exploitation or criminal exploitation occurring away from the home.
Significant trauma can also result in extreme behaviour that places the CYP, staff or other residents at risk. In such circumstances, police involvement may be required to protect everyone involved. For example, police may need to attend where an unknown person is threatening residents or staff.
When the police are called, it should be clear that this has occurred because of the seriousness of the situation and not simply because the CYP is displaying challenging behaviour.
Examples of situations requiring police involvement can occur both inside and outside the home. Within the home, a CYP assaulting a staff member or making serious threats may result in police involvement. Similarly, throwing furniture or other objects can create significant risks to staff and other residents, particularly if broken objects could be used as weapons.
Safeguarding concerns disclosed by a CYP may also require police involvement. These could include criminal exploitation, sexual abuse or serious youth violence. In such circumstances, the police may need to attend the home to speak with the CYP and establish the appropriate safeguarding response.
8. Outline the role of the following agencies in the youth justice system
Youth Offending Teams (YOT)
Youth Offending Teams comprise professionals from a range of services, including social care, the police, CAMHS, health and education.
A youth justice officer assesses a CYP who has committed an offence and has been identified by the police. The assessment considers the underlying factors contributing to the CYP’s actions and may use assessment frameworks such as AssetPlus.
Depending on the length and type of the order, the youth justice officer will manage the CYP’s involvement and coordinate with external agencies where required. Youth justice teams can also contribute to the court process by preparing pre-sentence reports.
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
The Crown Prosecution Service reviews evidence relating to an alleged offence and makes decisions about whether a case should proceed to court.
Within the court system, prosecutors manage cases and present evidence. When dealing with CYP, information and proceedings should be presented in a way that is appropriate and understandable for a child.
Drug and Alcohol Services
Youth drug and alcohol services provide programmes designed to prevent CYP from misusing drugs and alcohol. Support can also be provided to CYP who are already using substances, including harm-reduction advice, education and support to manage their use.
Education Services
Some CYP involved with youth justice may be out of formal education, and alternative educational provision may therefore be required.
The overall aim should be to support the CYP to access appropriate education, which may include a mainstream school with a different or reduced timetable where appropriate.
Alternative provision can also support CYP who have been excluded from school or who are experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties. Tailored educational programmes can be particularly valuable for CYP involved with youth justice.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
CAMHS provides specialist assessment and treatment for CYP experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
This can include support relating to depression, eating disorders and behavioural difficulties. CAMHS teams may include psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, family therapists and counsellors.
9. Explain the role of a practitioner in relation to the youth justice system
A staff member’s role as a practitioner within residential childcare involves providing frontline support to CYP. Before police involvement becomes necessary, staff should manage behaviour appropriately, maintain clear boundaries and provide support intended to reduce negative or offending behaviour.
This responsibility is not carried out by one staff member alone. It involves colleagues, social workers and other professionals and agencies. Mental health and substance misuse services may also provide important support.
Trauma-informed practice is an important part of the care provided by staff. Another key responsibility is providing stability across different areas of the CYP’s life, including education, accommodation and leisure activities. Maintaining stability can support desistance from offending behaviour.
Where a CYP becomes involved with youth justice, the staff member can provide important information and liaise with the youth justice officer. Youth justice professionals may not spend as much time with the CYP as residential staff do, meaning that staff can provide valuable background information and context.
Staff can also contact youth justice professionals for guidance and support. Where the CYP is subject to a youth justice order, the youth justice officer will have a plan which staff can support.
If a CYP is arrested and the staff member was not involved in the incident, the staff member may accompany them to the police station and, where appropriate, act as their appropriate adult.
If the case proceeds to court, a staff member may support the CYP by accompanying them to court and remaining with them during the proceedings. This provides practical and emotional support and ensures that the CYP does not have to attend alone.
Following court, the CYP may need to attend meetings with the Youth Justice Service. Staff can support attendance and encourage the CYP to engage with the process. The YJS officer will work with the CYP to build a relationship and support them throughout their involvement with youth justice.
10. Analyse the following assessment tools used in the youth justice system
National Standards for the Youth Justice Service
The National Standards recognise the minimum standards expected of agencies providing services to CYP involved with youth justice.
AssetPlus and Onset Framework
Asset and Onset were frameworks used within youth justice to assess the circumstances, concerns and vulnerabilities of CYP and to inform planning.
These frameworks provide insight into the CYP and the risks they may present, as well as the factors that can be used to manage those risks. They consider risk, needs and protective factors and can help identify areas requiring intervention.
Common Assessment Framework
The Common Assessment Framework is a process designed to identify the additional needs of CYP and support agencies to work together.
The process involves identifying needs, assessing those needs, providing appropriate support and reviewing the support provided. A review may identify additional needs or indicate that further support is required.
11. Explain how to contribute to a holistic care plan for a child or young person engaged with the youth justice system
Contributing to a holistic care plan for a CYP engaged with youth justice requires a multi-agency, child-first approach.
The plan should address the needs of the child, which may include emotional, social and educational needs, while still recognising and addressing their offending behaviour.
Where specific needs are identified, appropriate external agencies should be involved. The plan should also recognise that the CYP has a voice, wishes and feelings.
A holistic care plan should therefore not only address the CYP’s immediate needs but also empower them to participate in decisions about their care. It should consider the factors and triggers that may contribute to offending behaviour rather than focusing exclusively on the offence itself.
12. Describe the processes for informing social workers and those with parental responsibility of police involvement
Informing social workers and those with parental responsibility about police involvement is an important part of safeguarding and professional communication.
Communication should take place as soon as possible so that the social worker and relevant professionals can become involved from the beginning. Social workers can engage with the family and assess the risks and needs of the CYP.
Clear communication is essential, with information and details recorded accurately. Staff should ensure that they are fulfilling their responsibilities within their role.
Although informing the social worker is a priority, consideration should also be given to whether informing someone with parental responsibility could affect an ongoing investigation or the welfare of the CYP.
When a CYP is arrested, the police may inform the social worker, residential manager and local authority by telephone or by attending the residential home.
The social worker will usually contact parents or others with parental responsibility to inform them of the arrest. However, this may not always be appropriate depending on the CYP’s welfare and the circumstances of the case.
For a looked-after child, the residential home and relevant professionals have an important role in supporting the CYP and ensuring that appropriate people are informed.
13. Outline the legislation relating to the court system for youth justice
Legislation relating to youth courts recognises the differences between children and adults within the justice system.
Youth courts are generally closed to the public and do not have a public gallery in the same way as adult courts. Youth justice places significant emphasis on the welfare and development of the child, with diversion and rehabilitation being important principles.
Community-based interventions, restorative justice, counselling and out-of-court disposals can form part of the youth justice process. This means that many cases do not necessarily proceed to court.
However, serious cases may still need to be addressed by the courts. Where a CYP attends court, they can have legal representation and proceedings should take account of their age, development and understanding.
In England, the Youth Justice System primarily deals with CYP aged between 10 and 17. The age of criminal responsibility begins at 10.
Youth courts are generally closed, meaning that only people who need to be present are allowed into the courtroom. This differs from adult courts, which generally have a public gallery.
CYP should have information and proceedings explained in language that they can understand. Although the court remains a formal environment, the procedures should be explained in a way that recognises the child’s age and level of understanding.
The youth justice system recognises the difference between adults and CYP and provides opportunities for rehabilitation and positive participation in the community.
14. Describe the sentencing process
The seriousness of the offence is an important starting point when considering sentencing. However, sentencing for a CYP should take account of their individual circumstances, development and welfare.
The approach should not focus solely on punishment for the offence. Rehabilitation and the impact of the sentence on the CYP should also be considered.
An important aim is to avoid unnecessarily criminalising the CYP or creating a pattern of offending behaviour. Sentencing should encourage the CYP to take responsibility for their actions while supporting their positive development and reintegration into the community.
Sentences can vary depending on the circumstances. Some CYP may receive a police caution or an out-of-court disposal involving youth justice services. More serious offences may require the case to proceed to court.
The seriousness of the offence will influence whether a court appearance is required.
15. Explain the function of Court Reports
Court reports, including pre-sentence reports, provide the court with information about a CYP’s background, circumstances, vulnerabilities, risks and needs.
This information helps the court determine an appropriate and constructive sentence. The report provides a broader understanding of the CYP’s life and the factors that may have contributed to their offending behaviour.
Reports can cover areas such as education, family circumstances and health. They may also identify underlying issues that could be contributing to offending behaviour.
The assessor can make recommendations relating to sentencing and rehabilitation. This information can help the court consider an order that is appropriate to the individual CYP.
A pre-sentence report is therefore an important document because it provides information about the CYP’s circumstances, risks and needs. Conditions can be included within an order to support rehabilitation and address identified needs.
16. Summarise the main disposal options for children and young people
Disposal options take account of the seriousness of the offence.
At a lower level, a community resolution may involve actions such as apologising to the victim and does not involve court proceedings.
Other options may include No Further Action (NFA), which can sometimes include an element of diversion, such as educational or restorative work.
A youth caution is another disposal option where prosecution is not required.
A youth conditional caution can involve conditions requiring the CYP to work with youth justice services and other agencies for a specified period. Failure to engage can result in further youth justice involvement.
For more serious offences, youth courts can issue referral orders, involving longer periods of youth justice supervision and work with a panel of community volunteers.
Other possible sentences include:
Fine
A financial penalty that takes the CYP’s financial circumstances into account.
Absolute Discharge
No further punishment is imposed, with the court appearance itself being considered sufficient.
Conditional Discharge
If the CYP commits another offence during the specified period, they may be sentenced for the original offence as well as the new offence.
Referral Order
A referral order can apply to certain first-time offenders and involves working with a Youth Justice Service panel to create a contract lasting between three and twelve months.
Youth Rehabilitation Order
A Youth Rehabilitation Order can last for up to three years and involves the CYP working with a Youth Justice Service officer.
Detention and Training Order
A Detention and Training Order can last between four and twelve months. Part of the order is spent in secure accommodation and the remainder in the community.
Longer-Term Detention
In more serious circumstances, a child may be detained for a longer period and may remain in custody beyond their 18th birthday.
17. Describe the systems in place for supporting compliance with disposal requirements
Supporting compliance with a disposal order is an important part of helping a CYP engage with youth justice and avoid further court involvement for non-compliance.
The focus should be on rehabilitation rather than simply the offence. A CYP may disengage if they feel that their needs are not being addressed.
Issues such as mental health, substance misuse and lack of positive community involvement should therefore be considered.
Positive activities can help enrich a CYP’s life and provide alternatives to negative peer influences. For example, involvement in sailing, boxing or football can provide meaningful activities and opportunities for positive relationships.
Activities that the CYP can relate to can also strengthen the relationship between the CYP and the youth justice officer. Building trust can help the CYP recognise that youth justice is addressing the underlying causes of offending rather than focusing only on the offence.
At the same time, the CYP needs to understand the consequences of non-compliance. In some circumstances, further court action or another disposal may be imposed, potentially extending the period of youth justice involvement.
A Youth Rehabilitation Order may also include electronic monitoring. A tag can be attached to the CYP’s ankle and may be used to monitor requirements such as curfews or exclusion zones.
If the CYP breaches these requirements, the monitoring service can notify the Youth Justice Service, which can then take appropriate action.
18. Explain ways to minimise the high level of breaches of disposal requirements by young people in residential childcare
High levels of breaches can be particularly challenging for CYP living in residential care. Breaches can make it more difficult for the CYP to complete their disposal and may result in further involvement with youth justice.
It is important for the CYP to understand the significance of engaging with the order and the potential consequences of breaches.
The CYP should be supported to take ownership of the disposal and understand the objectives identified by the youth justice officer. At the same time, all professionals should provide positive reinforcement and encourage engagement.
Residential staff have an important role in supporting the CYP while they are working with the Youth Justice Service.
A CYP may not initially understand the importance of attending meetings or engaging with the order. Staff should explain that the order is intended to support them and is not simply a punitive measure.
Consistent routines can help. Staff can remind the CYP about meetings and ensure that they are at home and prepared to attend. Keeping meetings on the same day and at the same time where possible can also provide structure.
The same approach can be applied to curfews. Staff can remind the CYP about the requirement and help them plan their activities so that they have enough time to return before the curfew.
Where appropriate and in accordance with the care plan, staff may support the CYP with transport or collection to ensure that they can meet the requirements of their order.
Where a sentence involves a fine, the CYP may be required to pay the amount from their available pocket money, with the arrangements determined by the court.
19. Describe the processes for responding to breaches of disposal requirements
Responses to breaches of a disposal order should be prompt and appropriately documented.
The CYP’s intentions, together with the nature and seriousness of the breach, should be considered. The CYP should be informed of the breach and the potential consequences of further non-compliance.
Any meetings or requirements should have been clearly explained to the CYP beforehand. This helps prevent confusion about what was expected of them.
The CYP should receive appropriate support to attend required meetings and understand their responsibilities.
It should be made clear to the CYP that non-compliance may result in further action. A warning letter can formally document the breach and explain that continued non-compliance could result in the order being returned to court or further action being taken by youth justice services.
20. Describe the different types of secure settings experienced by children and young people
There are three main types of secure settings experienced by CYP:
- Secure children’s homes
- Secure training centres
- Young offender institutions
Secure children’s homes are operated by local authorities and provide a child-focused secure environment. CYP may be placed in secure accommodation where their circumstances present significant risks to themselves or others.
Secure training centres provide secure accommodation alongside education, training and development opportunities.
Young offender institutions are primarily used for older CYP who have received custodial sentences for more serious offences.
21. Analyse why children and young people in secure settings are at higher risk of poor outcomes than others in residential care
CYP in secure settings can be at greater risk of poor outcomes because of the complex challenges they may already be experiencing.
A CYP entering secure accommodation may have reached this point as a last resort and may present significant risks to themselves or others. Some may have a history of absconding from residential care or other placements.
Moving into secure accommodation can also result in the CYP being labelled or stigmatised, which may negatively affect their self-esteem and identity.
Secure settings can have limited resources and services, and a lack of resources may restrict opportunities for personal development. Staff may spend considerable time managing serious behaviour, including violence or self-harm, rather than focusing on longer-term developmental needs.
The highly controlled environment can also cause CYP to feel powerless. Where the immediate priority is safety and welfare, personal development and positive outcomes may receive less attention.
High staff turnover can further contribute to inconsistent relationships and support. CYP who have already experienced instability may find further changes in staff particularly difficult.
Secure settings can also disrupt education, family contact and relationships with friends. A placement may last for several months, interrupting educational progress and reducing opportunities for regular contact with family and friends.
The strict nature of secure environments can also affect a CYP’s emotional wellbeing. CYP may be living alongside others with complex needs while dealing with their own difficulties.
Although secure settings provide education, healthcare and family contact, these areas may not initially be the immediate priority. The first priority may be stabilising the CYP and ensuring their safety.
Once stability has been established, services can focus more closely on education, family relationships and longer-term development.
22. Describe approaches that can improve outcomes for children and young people in secure settings
Improving outcomes for CYP in secure settings requires a range of approaches.
Given that many CYP may have experienced significant trauma, trauma-informed practice is particularly important. CYP with multiple adverse childhood experiences need a caring, compassionate and consistent approach from the staff supporting them.
Personalised care plans should recognise the individual needs of each CYP and identify the support required. Where necessary, external agencies should be involved.
The CYP should be involved in developing their care plan. This promotes ownership and ensures that their views, wishes and feelings are considered.
Education is another important factor. This should not be limited to academic education but should include social skills, life skills and emotional regulation.
Supporting CYP to develop positive relationships and participate in their community can help prepare them for life beyond the secure setting.
Family involvement is also important. Regular and positive family contact can support rehabilitation and provide continuity in the CYP’s life.
23. Describe the challenges faced by children and young people moving within the secure estate to another secure setting
CYP moving within the secure estate can face a number of significant challenges.
Many CYP in secure settings have already experienced considerable trauma, and another move can exacerbate previous difficulties. The disruption may increase anxiety and feelings of isolation.
Moving to a new setting can also mean being separated from family and friends. The CYP may lose relationships that they have developed over time within their previous secure placement.
Services that were established in the previous setting may also be disrupted. Education, healthcare, support services and relationships with professionals may not immediately transfer to the new setting.
This disruption can affect the CYP’s confidence, self-esteem, identity and development.
24. Analyse factors for the successful transfer of children and young people between settings within the secure estate and into an adult facility
Transferring CYP between secure settings and eventually into adult facilities requires careful planning and a smooth transition.
Continuity of Services
Transitions into adult facilities can result in gaps in services or changes in the level of support available. Existing tailored services may be lost, creating a significant difference between the intensive support available to a CYP and the support available within an adult setting.
Individual Needs
Each CYP has individual needs relating to education, health, family relationships and, in some cases, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
If an adult service does not provide appropriate support for these needs, the individual may struggle to continue developing and progressing.
Change of Environment
The transition from being treated as a CYP to being treated as an adult can be significant. At 18, the individual may experience substantial changes in expectations, responsibilities and the level of direct support available.
Moving from a secure setting for CYP into an adult environment can therefore be difficult. Appropriate preparation and familiarisation with the new environment are important.
Transfer Evaluation
Post-transfer evaluations and regular check-ins can support a successful transition. Services may need to be adjusted after the move, and feedback from professionals and the individual can identify concerns.
It is important to consider how well the individual is adapting to the new environment and whether the available services continue to meet their needs.
Staff and Professional Communication
Effective communication between agencies supports smoother transitions between secure settings. Information should be shared accurately and promptly so that support can continue without unnecessary disruption.
Individual Transition Plans
Each CYP has their own needs, circumstances and experiences. A robust transition plan should identify these factors and ensure that all relevant parties understand what support is required.
This helps the receiving secure setting provide continuity and consistency from the beginning of the placement.
25. Analyse factors for the successful resettlement of children and young people back into the community
Resettling a CYP back into the community can be a complex process and requires careful planning and ongoing support.
Support Network
A strong support network is an important factor in a successful transition. Family relationships can provide practical and emotional support as the CYP returns to the community.
The CYP may also require continued support from local agencies, including mental health or drug and alcohol services. Continuity of these services is important in reducing the risk of relapse or further difficulties.
Education and Training
Continuing education or training is important, particularly for older CYP and those aged over 16.
A CYP with SEND may require specialist educational or training support. Vocational training can also help older CYP develop employability skills and greater independence.
Housing
Suitable accommodation is another important factor. It may not always be appropriate or possible for the CYP to return to their family home.
Unstable accommodation or repeated placement moves can negatively affect a CYP. The local area may also expose them to unsafe influences or negative peer relationships.
Older CYP may require support to develop independent living skills, and appropriate assistance with housing costs can help reduce financial pressure and stress.
Employment
For older CYP, employment, apprenticeships or other meaningful vocational opportunities can be an important part of successful resettlement.
Employment can provide structure, independence, hope and positive connections within the community. Supporting a CYP to develop these opportunities can therefore contribute to their longer-term development and successful reintegration.
