AYJ in conversation with Leroy Logan
As part of the AYJ’s project, funded by Barrow Cadbury Trust, in which we are exploring the experiences of children transitioning into the adult justice system, we speak with Leroy Logan MBE about the significance of research, discussion and policy focus in this area. Leroy is a former superintendent of the Metropolitan police, and now works to analyse, critique and publicly discuss issues within the criminal justice system, particularly surrounding policing, race, and young adults.
1. What in your experience has led you to focussing specifically on young adults?
Throughout my life, I’ve campaigned for a more equitable and fair criminal justice system (CJS). And young adults don’t always have the fairest hand dealt to them. They face unique challenges that may cause them to offend or reoffend, and these factors are not always considered. That’s why becoming the chair of the Transition to Adulthood Alliance (T2A) felt like a natural step.
Children don’t become adults on their 18th birthday, but the system often treats them as if they do. Neuroscience tells us that young people continue to develop until their mid-twenties.
“Children don’t become adults on their 18th birthday, but the system often treats them as if they do. Neuroscience tells us that young people continue to develop until their mid-twenties.”
This is widely accepted in policy, and it has led to positive developments across the system. HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) have developed a young adult strategy as well as operational guidance for prison and probation staff, and the Scottish Sentencing Council released new guidelines for sentencing young people this year with a strong focus on maturity and rehabilitation.
Of course, there is more work to be done to ensure that the needs of young adults are always considered in the day-to-day practice of the CJS. I want to be part of helping the CJS make that change happen.
My last 40 years in the justice system - initially as a 30-year veteran police officer, followed by the last ten years in the voluntary sector - has allowed me to develop an important role as a robust critical friend to those in authority.
Having this position means that I can now work with the T2A Alliance to advocate for the changes we all want to see – especially for young people who are less likely or able to speak up for themselves. I will do everything I can to ensure that their voices are heard and acted upon.
2. Can you talk a little bit about the particular work and focus of T2A?
For over ten years, T2A has been making the case for a distinct approach to policy and practice relating to young adults (18-25 year olds).
Collaboration is key to the T2A mission. We have worked with criminal justice professionals, the voluntary and community sector, policy-makers and young adults themselves to build a body of evidence and good practice guidance.
Our efforts have led to maturity and ongoing emotional development being widely recognised within criminal justice policy and guidance – an important first step.
This has allowed us to now focus on supporting practitioners on the ground to implement the guidance in their day-to-day work. This will ultimately reduce crime, save money, and ensure the best long-term outcomes for young adults.
3. Our new research project, ‘Young People in Transition in the criminal justice system’, will include an emphasis on the experiences of older children. What are some key issues for this age group, and how well do you think systems support and respond to them as they approach 18?
Currently, young people face a very sharp cliff edge as they approach 18 years of age. The youth justice system has a strong focus on rehabilitation and welfare. Overnight, you become an adult and those considerations are no longer as important.
For example, a child who commits an offence before their 18th birthday can be viewed as an adult if they reach this age before trial or sentencing. This can have hugely damaging consequences for them in terms of treatment in court, the right to anonymity, and the sentence they can receive if found guilty.
It’s crucial that young people are fully prepared for this transition. At T2A, we’ve conducted a lot of research into how young people could be better supported through this challenging process.
Treating young people as individuals first and foremost can make for a more positive transition experience, and it is this identity led approach that underpins the practitioner toolkit we supported the University of Salford and Nacro to develop in 2020.
Listening to young people is equally important. They are best placed to tell practitioners and policymakers about their transition experiences and what worked well or didn’t work well, so we can improve these processes. The Young Justice Advisors released a report earlier this year with many key learnings from young adults with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
When we listen to young people and include them in the decisions that affect them, we have a much better chance of getting things right.
4. Do you think there are differences between the ways young people below and above 18 years old in the justice system should be treated?
Absolutely. When someone turns 18, they are no longer a child, but they are not a fully developed adult either. They are a young adult with their own unique set of needs and should be treated as such.
This point was exceptionally well put by the former Lord Chief Justice:
“Reaching the age of 18 has many legal consequences, but it does not present a cliff edge for the purposes of sentencing. So much has long been clear... Full maturity and all the attributes of adulthood are not magically conferred on young people on their 18th birthdays.” (R v Clarke [2018] EWCA Crim 185).
5. Our thematic focusses for the project are racial disparity, safeguarding young people at risk, and custody. Are there particular young people, or particular issues impacting experiences of transition, that you feel need closer attention?
All young adults need a mindful approach to their transition, but some young adults would absolutely benefit from more specialised support.
I wrote about the findings of a recent Manchester and Sheffield University report, which found that Black and minority ethnic young adults are now appearing in court and being sentenced to immediate custody at 1.7 times the rate of White young adults. It’s very concerning that this disparity has even grown in the last ten years.
Furthermore, a 2020 Revolving Doors report stated that Black young adults are now 8.4 times more likely to receive a conviction for a minor or non-violent offence compared to White young adults of the same age.
The evidence is clear that Black and minority ethnic young adults face significant challenges in the criminal justice system, so it’s crucial that they receive more attention during their transition. This will ensure they can effectively engage in rehabilitative services as well as in community-based interventions after leaving prison.
“The evidence is clear that Black and minority ethnic young adults face significant challenges in the criminal justice system, so it’s crucial that they receive more attention during their transition.”
Between the ages of 18 and 25, and with the right support, young adults are particularly receptive to positive reinforcement – allowing them to learn, grow and foster a healthy sense of self. If Black and minority ethnic young adults don’t get the support they need, they’re likely to disengage with the system and become distrustful of those who operate within it. We must not let that happen.
The organisation KeyRing recently released a report exploring the experiences of young people with learning difficulties and autism in the criminal justice system – with a primary focus on the transition from youth justice to adult justice services.
The report found that a peak time for breaking license conditions occurs at the age of 18 just after transitioning to adult services. This was attributed in some part to the expectations of these young people now that they are officially “adults” – expectations that don’t consider their distinct needs or the fact that turning 18 does not in itself signify a leap in the development of maturity.
Young neurodiverse adults would hugely benefit from more tailored support to ensure a successful transition from youth to adult services.
This blog is written ahead of the publication of an evidence summary for our project, funded by the Barrow Cadbury Trust, exploring the experiences of young people in transition in the criminal justice system.
AYJ would like to thank Leroy Logan for his valuable contribution. Find out more about his work:
T2A Website: https://t2a.org.uk/
Twitter: @LeroyLogan999