Show Notes
Children in care are still significantly more likely to enter the criminal justice system than their peers. But when we look at their experiences, are we focusing too heavily on the behaviour of the child and not enough on the system surrounding them? In this episode, I consider the Government's new youth justice white paper alongside the Joint Committee on Human Rights report and what both mean for safeguarding professionals and independent reviewers.
In this episode I explore: Why children in care remain disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, including how behaviour that might be managed within a family home can become criminalised within a care setting. The risk of the "cliff edge" at 18, when care leavers can lose support at the very point they remain vulnerable to homelessness, exploitation and involvement with the criminal justice system. Why over-criminalisation begins long before the police become involved, with placement instability, disrupted education, lost relationships and the absence of trusted adults potentially forming part of the wider picture. What this means for independent review practice – and why our analysis needs to move beyond asking why a young person offended to examine how the systems around them understood and responded to their needs.
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About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews. She is also an accredited SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/
Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals here Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP
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