Early intervention and tougher action against parents to tackle youth crime

"Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said support for families and addressing the drivers of offending would mean "fewer young people become trapped in cycles of crime". However, the Alliance for Youth Justice, which represents more than 70 organisations, said the plans relied "too heavily on pilots, consultations and reviews", rather than "bold, ambitious action"."

"The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said new Youth Intervention Courts would be piloted, bringing together judges, youth justice services and specialist support to help tackle the root causes of offending. It said the courts would also provide intensive supervision and tailored interventions, including health or educational requirements, alongside close monitoring of compliance."

"The government plans to strengthen and expand Parenting Orders, which can compel parents or guardians to address their child's behaviour, including attending counselling or guidance sessions, or face penalties such as fines. Courts are currently required to consider issuing a Parenting Order where a child under 16 has been convicted of an offence."

"The MoJ said the use of Parenting Orders had declined dramatically, from more than 1,000 in 2009/10 to just 33 in 2022/23. There is also a focus on reducing the use of custodial sentences in favour of community sentences. The plan commits to ending &q"

The government in England and Wales announced measures to tackle crime by young people, including earlier intervention and tougher action involving parents. Support for families and addressing drivers of offending are intended to prevent young people from becoming trapped in cycles of crime. A Youth Justice White Paper sets out plans to pilot Youth Intervention Courts that bring together judges, youth justice services, and specialist support, with intensive supervision, tailored interventions, and close monitoring of compliance. The government also plans to strengthen and expand Parenting Orders that can require counselling or guidance and can lead to penalties such as fines. It cites high rates of first offending in childhood and reoffending after custody, and notes Parenting Orders have fallen sharply in use. The plan also aims to reduce custodial sentences in favour of community sentences.

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