16P0011

Written evidence submitted by the Youth Justice Board

16 Plus Care Options

Introduction

The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) welcomes this Select Committee and the opportunity to provide written evidence. We would be pleased to provide the Select Committee with any further information that may be of assistance.

Background

Looked After Children (LAC) are disproportionately represented within the youth justice system. Less than 1% of all children in England and Wales are looked after at any one time, yet up to one half of all children held in young offenders institutions are, or have previously been, looked after[1]. In the year ending March 2013, looked-after children were four times more likely to have committed an offence compared to all children nationally[2].

Risk and resilience

The absence of suitable, stable and supported accommodation increases the likelihood of offending. A study by the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) in 2007 showed that three quarters of children and young people in custody had lived with someone other than a parent and that 40% had been homeless in the six months before entering custody.

We also know that about 3 out of 4 children and young people leaving custody offended within 12 months of release (Youth Justice Statistics), and that a considerable proportion of young people leaving custody have difficulties accessing accommodation on release. Children who are looked after may find it more difficult to access stable accommodation on release from custody.

A disproportionate amount of offenders are aged between 18 and 20. Despite making up an estimated 4.5% of the general population in 2010, 10.7% of all cautions and convictions[3] were handed down to this age group in the 12 months to June 2011.

In order to mitigate risks of offending behaviour, the YJB would therefore welcome  extending access to stable accommodation in residential care for those young people who require additional support.

February 2014

1