The childhood criminal records system in England and Wales anchors children to their past and prevents them moving on from their mistakes. Our research presented in this report shows that the system in England and Wales is far more punitive than those in comparable jurisdictions; children in England and Wales are more likely to receive a criminal record, and the effect of that record is more profound and lasts longer than in other jurisdictions.

The childhood criminal records system in England and Wales anchors children to their past and prevents them moving on from their mistakes. There’s evidence to show that the system acts as a barrier to employment, education and housing. These are important factors in preventing reoffending, so by blocking access to them, the criminal records system works against rehabilitation and thus the aims of the youth justice system. Worryingly, the system also perpetuates inequalities in the justice system, for instance among children in care and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic children.

We welcome the Charlie Taylor review of the youth justice system and the government’s response. We agree with the principles stated by, and implicit in, Taylor’s work, and with many of his recommendations. A number of the government’s commitments set out in its response are welcome; however, we are disappointed that it has not gone further and that it has failed to respond to some of Taylor’s proposals at all.

In this report by our board member Dr Di Hart, we explore the issues around naming and shaming children in the justice system. We find that the law on this issue is inconsistent, unfair and counterproductive and call for a ban on identification of children in trouble with the law for criminal or anti-social behaviour, at any stage in the case.