A perfect storm for children at risk?: Preventing a post-pandemic surge in the criminalisation of children

Today, AYJ publishes the first of three policy briefings for our ‘Impact of COVID-19 on Youth Justice’ research project, delivered in collaboration between ourselves and the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University, and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council as part of the UK Research and Innovation’s rapid response to COVID-19.

The briefing presents the significant risk of a surge in the number of children drawn into the youth justice system following the pandemic, highlighting a ‘perfect storm’ for children at risk, as a result of the exacerbation of children’s vulnerabilities, support services being under severe strain, and the complex and challenging policy context.

The briefing finds:

• Exacerbated vulnerabilities and inequalities: the impact of COVID-19 on children is devastating, as not only have pre-existing vulnerabilities been exacerbated and safeguarding concerns heightened, but many more children and families are now exposed to new and increased challenges.

• Access to support at risk as services under severe strain: the pressure on statutory and voluntary sector services as a result of COVID-19 should be seen in the context of systems already under severe strain, that were already struggling to meet children’s needs before the pandemic.

• A complex and challenging policy context: the pandemic has exposed a lack of national strategy for children. A fragmented policy landscape creates a real danger that children will fall through the gaps, and punitive measures risk widening the net of children within the realm of enforcement and criminalisation.

We argue that strong leadership and co-ordinated action are required to address the impacts of the pandemic and prevent an influx of children into the youth justice system. We call for vulnerable children to be at the heart of policy and practice, and concerted efforts to maximise diversion of children to positive pathways outside of the justice system. We make a number of recommendations for policymakers and commissioners.

Read the full policy briefing here.

The briefing draws on our comprehensive literature review, in-depth interviews with national stakeholders, consultation sessions with AYJ members and Young Advocates, and a series of research papers by our project partners at Manchester Metropolitan University.

A series of expert blogs also accompanied the briefing, each with their own findings and calls to action: 

• Anne Longfield: Prioritising vulnerable children and families for action and support. Read more

• StopWatch: The neglected realities of child stop and search. Read more

• Centre for Justice Innovation: Breaking down barriers to diversion after COVID-19. Read more

• Juvenis/DIVERT Youth: Offering hope and care in youth diversion. Read more