The UK's juvenile justice system addresses young offenders aged 10-17 with a focus on rehabilitation and societal reintegration. Legislation like the Children Act 1908 and the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 has shaped the treatment of these individuals. Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) play a crucial role in providing education and vocational training to offenders aged 15-21, aiming to reduce recidivism. Data highlights a decline in youth crime but also points to challenges such as the overrepresentation of BAME youths and high reoffending rates.
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The term 'Young Offender' refers to individuals aged between 10 and 17 who have been convicted or cautioned for an offence
Children Act 1908
The Children Act 1908 introduced juvenile courts in the UK
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 allows certain convictions to become 'spent' or ignored after a rehabilitation period
Crime and Disorder Act 1998
The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 reformed the system by removing the presumption of doli incapax and introducing measures to tackle youth reoffending
YOIs are correctional facilities specifically for the detention and rehabilitation of young people aged between 15 and 21 who have been sentenced to custody
Data shows persistent issues such as the overrepresentation of BAME youths in the criminal justice system and an increase in certain types of offences, including those involving weapons and sexual crimes
Sentencing options for young offenders often include components that combine custody with community involvement, such as Youth Rehabilitation Orders and Detention and Training Orders
A balanced approach is necessary to ensure that the focus remains on rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society, while also addressing challenges such as the risk of reinforcing criminal behavior and managing mental health concerns
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In the UK, a '______ ______' is a person aged 10 to 17 who has been cautioned or convicted of a crime.
Young Offender
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The ______ and ______ Act 1998 changed the UK juvenile justice system by discarding the idea that children 10 to 14 could not commit crimes.
Crime
Disorder
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Age range for YOIs in the UK
15 to 21 years old
