Youth Justice Board welcomes proposals for child criminal record reform
The YJB welcomes the government’s announcement that children will no longer be required to declare criminal records to employers and education providers.
This announcement, by the Ministry of Justice, supports the launch of its consultation on the targeted and proportionate reform of child criminal records.
The YJB has long advocated for this change to give children a fairer future.
Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the YJB, says:
Children are not little adults. They are still developing, and many who come into contact with the justice system go on to turn their lives around.
Research on childhood criminal records and reoffending indicates that the continued disclosure of a record can limit access to education, employment and other opportunities that support rehabilitation and a child’s ability to move forward.
When children are defined by their past mistakes, we risk limiting their ability to see a different and positive future for themselves. Reinforcing a criminal identity can be stigmatising and increase the risk of further offending.
If we truly want a safer society with fewer victims, this is dependent upon helping children develop positive identities and recognising their own potential to make positive contributions to society.
The YJB recognises the fundamental role criminal record checks play in public protection. However, children who have turned their lives around must be given a fair opportunity to move forward. This proposal will allow children to do just that, while maintaining robust safeguards for victims and communities and sustaining public confidence in the justice system.